generalspeaking

Ah, Yes!  The Democratic Election

Things are not proceeding smoothly on the election front in Egypt.  The revolutionary zeal of the country's youthful liberals appears to have stalled, or at the very least, been flooded by far greater numbers of Egyptians supporting the presidential candidacy of the Muslim Brotherhood's offerings, and that of the Salafist party.  Both of which those same voters in their huge numbers elevated to majority positions in the country's parliament.

It's a case of game over, one might say.  The military which will not accede too readily to demands that they step down finally and forever from their height of administrative, political and social power now understands that its kind accommodation toward the Muslim Brotherhood might have led to this situation.  They were, in any event, powerless to prevent the ascent of the Brotherhood and the Salafists.

Perhaps having something to do with the critical events that preceded the Tahrir Square protests, where the ruling military under its autocratic president, though they performed admirably, did not win the proverbial hearts and minds of their people.  Instead, through patience and craft and a well-designed program of social and religious aid, the Muslim Brotherhood won their hearts and minds.

And, since the Islamists now hold the majority of seats in the country's parliament they took it upon themselves to pass a new law whose effect would be to bar top officials from President Hosni Mubarak's regime to run for president.  Ta-da!  Problem resolved.  Their will was the way.  But for one little detail; the law would have to be ratified by the military council.

But this does represent a first for the country.  The first time in its new parliament's (admittedly short history) where political parties with various agendas unified their opposition long enough to defeat the perceived threat to their fledgling democracy.  Foxy, crafty, call it what you like, the elections committee went them one further.

The head of the Supreme Presidential Election Commission arranged to bar the military's Omar Suleiman, Muslim Brotherhood Khairat el-Shater, and Islamist Hazem Abu Ismail, all top contenders for the presidential nomination, along with an additional seven others.  The three named represent the front-runners in the race.  Islamists and former regime insiders each insist they represent the best interests of Egypt's needs.


Initially, the Muslim Brotherhood and the ruling military council appeared to have conceived a bit of a tentative mutual-assistance and -support relationship.  Which has since soured, with one accusing the other of ulterior motives, seeking the advantage over the other.  The Brotherhood expects the military to withdraw gracefully, the military regime resists giving up its power.  They are in accord in their polarizing discord.

Among the final list of candidates there will be thirteen whom the Elections Committee gave their approval to: Arab League chief Amr Moussa (whom his detractors have accused of having !!Jewish blood!!), moderate Islamist Abdel-Moneim Abolfotoh and former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq.  Is everybody happy?

Of course the disqualified candidates may appeal that decision, according to election rules.  Moving right along ....

Labels: Egypt, Islamism, Political Realities, Revolution, Traditions, Values

posted by Pieface @ Saturday, April 14, 2012