Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has long been seen as a man in a hurry.

He has spent most of his eight years in office pursuing a high-octane, one-man drive to modernise Egypt, a country of 103 million people, after decades of inaction and negligence.

The former army general has more than once stated his disdain for politics and paid little or no heed to dissenting voices, although they are increasingly sidelined in the country where the media, parliament and pundits rarely stray from the government line.

But Mr El Sisi's view may now be changing. He has announced a national dialogue in which everyone — regardless of political or ideological affiliations — can participate. And Mr El Sisi has called on all to join and speak freely without worrying about the consequences. Different views, he said, cannot hurt the nation. 

The rare invitation to supporters and opponents alike could make the dialogue an important milestone in Mr El Sisi’s rule that, depending on its outcome, could define Egypt’s politics for years to come.

But, a month after it was announced, neither the president nor his government has spelt out the parameters of this grand debate. Applications to take part are open, even if there is no start date.

So why the change of mind?

Many believe the success of the multibillion-dollar development blitz led by the 67-year-old president and the restoration of security and stability after years of turmoil and violence are the main sources of the confidence behind the move.

Another reason cited by analysts, including pro-government pundits, is that the administration wants to see Egyptians rally behind it ahead of what is expected to be a trying time as the global economy is buffeted by rising oil prices and wheat and grain shortages in the fallout from the Ukraine war.

“The president’s announcement came at an important juncture given the conflicts currently witnessed by the world and impacting on Egypt economically,” said legislator Alaa Abed, a leading member of the majority party Mostaqbal Watan or Nation's Future.

“Listening to different viewpoints is important, especially because there is a genuine political will to build a new republic that includes everyone,” Mr Abed said.