Despite a Likely New Charter, Egypt's Political Imbalance Will Remain

The likely passage of Egypt's new charter, while a crucial victory for the military regime, does not mean that stability will return to the country. Six months after the ousting of former President Mohammed Morsi, Cairo held its national plebiscite on the constitution Jan. 14 and 15. In the three years since the overthrow of the Hosni Mubarak government, this is Egypt's third constitutional referendum and the sixth time the nation has gone to the polls.

Even after the charter is settled, Egypt's next elections are unlikely to produce a viable civilian alternative to the Muslim Brotherhood — one that is capable of preventing the military from ruling from behind the scenes. The result will be more issues with governance and legitimacy.