January 2014 brought a wave of change in Egypt, with 38.6% of eligible voters participating in the referendum of the new constitution. The new constitution gave significant power to people and the military, and passed with 98% of votes, (Kingsley, 2014). Morsi's trial began in February, where he was presented before the courtroom trapped in a soundproof cage. Morsi shouted from his box, demanding he was the victim of a coup, and it wasn't legitimate constitutional procedure to impeach him, insisting, “The procedures of my trial are invalid because I’m a legitimate president of the country.” Two additional trials were added for his assisted jailbreak, and for previously disrespecting the judge and court. Currently, Morsi's trial is on hold with no date set, and the defence is demanding a new jury and panel because they believe they are currently biased, (Kirkpatrick, 2014).
As for Egypt itself, the country is awaiting elections for a new leader who must tackle the phenomenal problems like disease, unemployment, poverty, crime, and the severe economic instability. Two men have declared candidacy, but the people suspect the well-liked and powerful military leader Gen. el-Sisi will run for president. Sisi is credited with encouraging and unifying the anti-Morsi movement, and played a huge role in the success, (Kingsley, 2014).
With Morsi's trial suspended, and an interim leader presiding over the nation, Egypt's future is more unpredictable than the revolution that got them here. On the other hand, the military possesses authority, something the nation is all too familiar with. Now the people prepare to elect a new leader in the aftermath of the Arab Springs and Morsi. The new president will need strength and patience in the face of the political adversity, but also the will to see through the election promises the people rally behind. Democracy is new for Egypt, but not impossible.
Egypt military: President Morsi ousted, constitution suspended. (2013, July 03). Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/egypt-military-president-morsi-ousted-constitution-suspended/
Aswany, A. A. (2014, February 06). Egypt’s Despair, and Its Hope. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/07/opinion/aswany-egypts-despair-and-its-hope.html
Kirkpatrick, D. (2014, January 28). Egypt Locks Morsi in Soundproof Cage During Trial. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/29/world/middleeast/egypt-morsi-trial.html?_r=1
Kingsley, P. (2014, March 04). Egypt army chief Abdel Fatah al-Sisi indicates he will run for presidency. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/04/egypt-army-chief-abdel-fatah-al-sisi-indicates-run-presidency