The worst case scenario: the second round

The historic presidential elections are over and results are in. The runoff will be between Shafik, of the old regime; and Morsi, of the Muslim Brotherhood. The worst case scenario has materialized in front of our eyes— and agonized Egyptians, are asking themselves, yet again, whom they will vote for. Egyptians may sit out this round merely out of sheer exhaustion, if not because they don’t want either candidates. It is a dilemma for sure.

Shafik comes with baggage from here to eternity. He was a minister under Mubarak’s auspices, and the last prime minister chosen by toppled Mubarak. During his brief serving as such, he alienated and infuriated revolutionists. A “disrespectful child” was the phrase he used to describe them. But the epitome of disgust towards Shafik was seen while he was voting during the presidential elections. Shafik was chased out of the riding as voters hurled shoes and stones at his car.

In all fairness to the man, Shafik was not stained by any of the devious charges Mubarak’s cronies have been imprisoned for. He’s a veteran on national, if not international, fronts. He also successfully built the huge airport empire that has changed the face of Egypt for incoming travelers.

The troubling issue is how activists will react if Shafik wins the second round. Occupying Tahrir becomes probable bringing Egypt back to square one. Or will democracy reign? And more importantly, how will Shafik, the president then, react to these disgruntled demonstrators?  

Mursi has been named the “spare,” as in the spare tire. Mursi replaced El Shater, the MB’s first choice for presidency, when the latter was disqualified. Mursi neither has the charisma nor appeal, though this is neither here nor there. More importantly, Mursi has insufficient political or leading experience. He has had very little legislative or governing duties.  His affiliation to the Muslim Brotherhood is his only accomplishment.   

It is clear that the MB clan with Mursi at the wheel will have absolute free reign of Egypt since both the parliament and the presidency will be under its control. They will in the long run implement rigid Sharia laws, an act that has scared moderate Islamists, liberals, and Copts alike.   

The Muslim Brotherhood is a lucid entity. Their mission is to enjoy a wider Islamic presence. Egypt as a country, its progress and advancement, don’t construe validity or importance. Ultimately, though this may take decades, Egypt will become part of a caliphate emerging as a force to control and fight for its presence “with the sword.” It’s a systemic plan worth our attention.

This brings Egyptians to a particularly painful junction: both choices are precarious; both choices will bring tumultuous times. True, Shafik’s disarray will occur instantly since those who backed the revolution and stood their ground for 18 glorious days will not forfeit their hopes easily, even if it simultaneously means accepting democracy.

Mursi’s turbulence will start early, too; immediately, parliament will issue its dilapidated bills and focus on how to constrain women’s rights even further—the Islamists have this thing towards women: by restricting them, things get better. In addition, progress and advancement will be placed on the back burner. This will be the start but slowly but surely changes will have Egypt become one province in an Islamic state.

Egyptians then are caught between a rock and a hard place, but it is truly up to them to decide where Egypt will go from here. No, Americans and the West are not maneuvering matters; Saudis and Gulf States are not interfering. It will be Egyptians, fair and square, who decide how they would like their new Egypt to be.

The next few weeks will be decisive, and I don’t think anything is guaranteed. Just have these two candidates debate in a debate similar to Moussa and Aboul Fetouh’s, and the pendulum will shift ever so quickly from one side to another as it clearly did during the primary round alienating Egyptians off both debaters.

My two cents: as much as I fear the immediate consequences of having Shafik win, I dread the MB taking over even more. So under duress I will vote for Shafik. In Egypt there is a saying, “How come you choose this bitterness? Response: I chose this bitterness because of what was even bitterer.” “."ايه الئ رماك علئ المر؟ قال الئ امر منه

Comments

[Mamina17]

I heard Shafik's interview several times ,i agreed to what he said .then we can always change after 4years .but with Mb they are there for ever .

[Amr Rady]

It is a lot better to say that the revolution has failed, than to say Egypt has failed. We have spent more than 50 years under military dictatorship, but can we bear living in religious fascism one year. I am anti-puritanical theocracy. I am not decided yet, but Shafik would be my choice, if I changed my mind.

[azza sedky]

The Revolutions has not failed, absolutely not. We wouldn't have this kind of election prior to the revolution.
I'm with you though--we are cornered, but I will vote Shafik most definitely--the egyptian saying is--what made you accept this bitterness? He responds, what was even bitterer.

[Amr Rady]

I do not say that the revolution has failed yet. I've just said that it would be acceptable for me to say that the revolution has failed, than saying Egypt has failed.

In fact both Shafik and Morsi are rotten cards. Shafik is the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces' puppet and Morsi is the Supreme Guide's. Yes, we are trapped , but I think we should avoid theocracy at this critical period, even if it is in favor of military dictatorship.

[Baden Powell]

I heard on Shafik's interview too. I think I will agree on what it say's. But we will come to see what happens next years will come.

http://www.freshfeet.com.au/