To vote or not to vote

At this stage, we are all asking ourselves this question, to vote or not to vote? It seems to many that either choices could be undesirable; I mean, who do you vote for? The lesser of two evils is really relative at this point, and not voting is an insult to those who gave up their lives for a democratic Egypt. I think we have to practice our right to vote, but who?

We have to stick with the candidate that is most likely to keep Egypt a democracy after 4 years. Shafik, even though a Mubarak era figure and the military man, is most likely to keep Egypt a democracy until the next round of elections. This might sound absurd to many, but voting for him could at least give time to build a strong secular opposition that can gain momentum within 4 years. The secular politicians are currently weak, dispersed and have not put much effort in reaching out to the majority uneducated population. Under Shafik, I think that these secular forces can regroup and focus their efforts in campaigning against Shafik. I hardly believe any of this could happen if Morsy took over. With parliament on his side, cracking down on opposition could be legitimized and a presidential term could easily be extended to 8 years. I doubt they will want to give up power once they gain it.

These are my views. Feel free to share yours.

About this Blog

A sharing place for all Egyptian youth who believe in the following: (1) The separation of religion and state; (2) Equality amongst all Egyptians regardless of their age, sex, religion, social status, or political views; (3) A secular democratic Egyptian government is what we need to move the country forward.

Please feel free to comment and speak your mind.

Why are we a people of extremes?

It is May 25th, 2012 and from what the media and news agencies have been reporting, the next president of Egypt will be either Morsy or Shafik. How is it that the media and public opinion constantly get it wrong. A debate between Abu El Fotouh and Amr Moussa made it seem that they are the most likely candidates to make it to the second round of voting, far from the truth. No one expected a Mubarak-era, military officer to be even close to making it, and again far from the truth. The media made it seem that Morsy was barely as charismatic as his ousted predecessor El Shater and will not gain much ground, and again....

What do these initial polls tell us about the 20-something million Egyptians that voted? Is it true that we are THAT polarized and no one ever saw it coming? Is it true that 26% are blindly declaring their allegiance to Morsy just because of their support of the Muslim Brotherhood, regardless of who he is as a presidential candidate? While 24% are rallying behind Shafik because they do not want an Islamist state. Was he the only way out? Where is Amr Moussa?

In other words the majority are split between an Islamic state or another Mubarak regime to save them from the Islamic state. We are a people of extremes.