One of the accomplishments of the January 25th Revolution was give Egyptians a vociferous voice that echoes loud and clear. It also turned them into politically astute individuals. Never did Egyptians listen to Mubarak’s speeches. Today they listen keenly to what presidential candidates say.
Both presidential candidates, Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Hamdeen Sabahi had formal interviews to launch their campaigns.
It is said that for two hours Cairo became quiet during Sisi’s interview. He came across as genuine and sincere, a man of integrity, and an Egyptian who wants the best for Egypt and Egyptians. He was extremely polite and respectful—a characteristic that Egyptians in general should emulate. Not once during the interview did he refer to anyone disrespectfully or with disdain.
Sisi has lived a military life, and he respects the army and its role. His career with the military gives him the management skills; his role with the Intelligence Services, the exposure and the know-how. The impression he promotes is that of one who acted, on June 30th, for Egypt’s best. This is Sisi’s biggest asset.
He also is a family man whose face glows with appreciation when his family, in particular his wife, is mentioned. His charm and his smile remain the magnet that draws Egyptians to him.
Sisi seems to lack the authority and the aggressiveness though he did surprise the viewers several times by putting his foot down and asserting himself. Still, all this is new to Sisi. He is not used to the limelight or the following, and I hope he doesn’t get accustomed to either.
Then we go to Hamdeen Sabahi. Sabahi has led a politically involved career all his life. The day he stood up to Sadat was the day that this career was established. He is a revolutionist at heart. He was imprisoned on several occasions in previous eras, and he was in Tahrir all along. He comes across as a man who cares mainly about democracy and justice. He is an experienced speaker, used to publicity, his words flowing quickly and effectively but not emotionally.
Sabbahi is a socialist who wants to take from the rich and give to the poor. He is also for the Arab Nation ideology, a thought hailed by Nasser whom Sabbahi considers the most important personality in the history of the Arab World. Sabahi will support freedom, justice, and dignity across the Middle East and will remain against Israel.
The masses are behind Sisi, while the revolutionists and the Muslim Brotherhood are behind Sabbahi. Only two weeks remain before Egyptians go to the polls to vote their president in yet again.
Disappointingly, the approach to any discourse remains similar to that of gone by days: loud and screeching but haphazard and flailing. Politically astute Egyptians have proven to be, but the criticism, sarcasm, and misconstrued freedom of speech show Egyptians stagnantly the same in spite of the call for change.
The two candidates actually became punching bags to their opponent’s followers. Both interviews have been scrutinized meticulously, with the candidates shredded to bits.
Sisi dodged the important question, Sabahi’s’s supporters say. He is also overly sensitive, a softy, they continue; eventually he will renegotiate with the Muslim Brotherhood. And how dare he warn journalists against pressing for freedom of speech because it could jeopardize national security?
They go further. Sisi is going to be the most Islamic of all Egyptian presidents. Besides, he lied blatantly during the interview. And his speech was taped and censored.
Sabahi got no sympathy either. Sabahi is arrogant, self-preserving, and self-promoting, Sisi’s followers say. Sabahi relies on the Muslim Brotherhood vote. He is a leftist who is still living the role of the university student trying to outbid Sisi by using hollow unattainable promises. Sabahi got angry and aggressive during the interview. And what exactly does he do for a living?
What is truly amusing is that neither interviews changed people’s outlooks. Whoever was a Sabbahi follower remains a Sabbahi follower, and whoever followed Sisi remains infatuated by him. Why have these interviews if everyone is listening merely for the sake of highlighting blunders instead of truly appreciating what these candidates say?
On an even more amusing note, the two candidates with their definitely different approaches and final choices are by far better options than Morsi. Every now and then I cringe at the memory of what Egyptians faced during Morsi’s cut-short term.
Egyptians need to remain inquisitive but cordial. They also need to avoid being judgmental and hypocritical. After all, it is Egypt that should ultimately win.
It is frequently claimed that the MB is planning to vote for Sabbahi but how likely is this really to be the case? The movement (and other, even non-religious conservative ones) seems so disenchanted with the political process that they have espoused boycotting. Wouldn't there eventually be some kind of indication or evidence of leaders issuing orders or urgings to vote for Sabbahi if they have a plan to do such?
I mean, it makes sense that they would view Sabbahi as a better option, but the evidence that they will go for him rather than boycott doesn't yet seem convincing.
If it does happen, then Sabbahi may win. He already has started amass some support from revolutionaries, liberals, leftists, and people worried about military hegemony in politics.
Posted by: Observer | 05/11/2014 at 10:16 AM