Assalamu Alaikum
"Those who fear Islamist movements in Egypt, I tell them don't be scared of Islam in Egypt. Egypt is Islamic, like it or not... We want a civic, democratic state with an Islamic vision that allows people to practise their rights and democracy." Imam Mazhar ShahinMuslims heard a sermon of encouragement at their mosques as they do every Friday. Where protesters are urged to continue defending the goals of the revolution. Where the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is warned that the cause of the protests have not been forgotten. And people have expectations that matters will proceed to reflect their just cause.
Streaming out onto the streets after prayers there are various signs posted, none as urgent as the one that reads: "The people want a time-table for the handover of power". Well, the time is fast approaching for the democratic process of a true vote to take place, scheduled to begin November 28, ending in March.
The Islamists, as exemplified by the Muslim Brotherhood, are not satisfied with a document portending to be a pre-constitution draft being put together by the Deputy Prime Minister Ali Silmi. The clauses removing the military budget from parliamentary oversight, permitting the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces their final decision-making on military matters sounds a discordant note.
Even with the draft having been revised after complaints, Islamists have rejected the document limiting parliament's authority. The Freedom and Justice Party representing the Muslim Brotherhood, which will most certainly receive the largest voting bloc given its long experience in political affairs and its professional structure, would like a free hand in formulating a new constitution.
Egypt is not in a very sound financial state in the wake of its people's revolution. The people who brought about the revolution have suffered further from its consequent economic downturn. And they are fairly concerned about the rise in crime following their uprising. Furthermore, the idealistic liberal and leftist parties led by Egyptian youth and the unemployed have made no campaign inroads.
The Muslim Brotherhood is nothing if not cleverly manipulative. They have had ample opportunity in the past fifty or so years of contriving to appear reasonable and moderate. They have made political overtures to non-Islamists with influence, to bring them on to their election platform, to prove to anyone who harbours suspicion about their motives, that they have Egypt's best interests at heart.
They have cleverly brought aboard non-Islamists in various areas of their parliamentary ticket. Who are pleased to vouch for the solidarity that exists now between previously oppositional ideological and religious factions. Women have been brought on board, some of them looking as though they will be successful in gaining through the election, to represent the rights of women in the new Egypt.
While more secular opposition parties mount campaign rallies, few potential voters appear to show up to give them support and hope for their votes. In contrast, the Freedom and Justice Party sees all seats filled for their election rallies.
Labels: Egypt, Political Realities
posted by Pieface @ Saturday, November 19, 2011
<< Home