World, you are in for another Egyptian surprise

If the scenes at Egyptian embassies and consulates during the early voting of the presidential elections are indicative of anything, they are indicative of yet another Egyptian surprise. Hence, I believe the world should watch closely. Since western media’s take on matters has been disheartening to say the least, then it is up to concerned worldly citizens to figure out Egypt for themselves. 

If you’ve ever wanted to see a happy and joyous crowd, then you should have seen Egyptians line up to vote in the presidential elections abroad. Voting anywhere and everywhere entails figuring out one’s schedule, avoiding the rush, and predicting a long lineup where one will stand bored and fed up. Not for those Egyptians who lined up to cast their ballots this time round—earsplitting music, downright belly dancing by men and women, and blaring ululations left security guards invigilating the embassies mesmerized and Egyptians in Egypt in tears of joy. These are the same Egyptians who, before 2011, found voting off-putting.

The euphoria portrays the current sentiments of Egyptians. Egyptians hate fiercely and love unconditionally, and both emotions are symbolized in this voting process. The man whom they love for saving them from those whom they hate is running for president. How more right can this be?

These unprecedented sentiments were seen first during the constitutional referendum of January 2014 when Egyptians kicked up their heels joyously as they left the polling stations. The same upbeat scene occurred in the presidential elections voting abroad on May 15 through 18. Undoubtedly, on May 26 and 27, 2014, during the presidential elections in Egypt, Egyptians will display the same emotions. Only in Egypt do voters convey their support and happiness by dancing and voting simultaneously.   

Facebook and Twitter messages confirmed 1) how voters felt as they voted and 2) the troubles they endured to participate. Since voting by snail mail was not an option anymore, some travelled distances and others took long bus rides to reach embassies and consulates; then they came back to proudly announce their actions. My sick niece, who hasn’t gone out for months, voted in Abu Dhabi. My nephew, the air pilot, took time off from his tight itinerary to vote in Bangkok. 

What is remarkable is that once some of these Egyptians voted, they returned back the next day to watch the entertainment; it became an outing. The mood says it all: this time Egyptians got it right; this time Egyptians will not stay at home and watch how their future unfolds, but they will effect the change themselves.

One Facebook follower said, lightheartedly of course, that dancing and singing are becoming necessary skills for a voter. She warned Egyptians, “If you are unable to ululate, your voice will become null and void.”

In January 2011, Egyptians ousted Mubarak in 18 days; in June 2013, they ousted Morsi by congregating in the millions; in May, 2014, they will vote their next president in—all this having not lifted a gun or a weapon. Their arms remain their voices and their presence.

As for the man whom Egyptians foresee as their next president, we really have to wait and see how he will handle the colossal burdens that he is saddled with. It won’t be easy, but Egyptians acknowledge his gutsy move against Morsi and believe that if he is able to rid them of their worst nightmare, then he will be able to rid them of all nightmares—a tall order indeed.  

In the meantime, Egyptians will listen, be patient, and accept change—all this because it is coming from someone whom they believe in. This is the asset that Sisi must rely one.

But this post is not about Sisi, or about Sabahi for that matter. It is about the Egyptians themselves, the changes in them, and the happiness that they are immersed in and totally deserve.

I predict the voting in Egypt on May 26 and 27 to be a party like no other. I predict dancing, singing, and ululating across Egypt. I predict the highest percentage of voter turnout in the history of Egypt, if not anywhere else.  

 

Comments

[Carla Conti Baker]

Dear Azza,
Congratulations for this uplifting article of yours. From my other friends in Egypt I get the same feeling of joyful anticipation and participation in the presidential election. A dear friend has proudly cast his vote yesterday in Paris with a big smile posted on Facebook. Yalla Masr!

[abdu]

Lol, so many people voted in Egypt that they have to extend voting for a third day. Who are you fooling?

[azza radwan sedky]

You do know that Sisi got 97% of votes, which equals 23 million voters, right?
You also know that Morsi squeaked by with 51%, which equals approximately 10 million.
I hope this explanation is satisfactory.

[abdu]

Numbers, numbers, numbers, the pictures from the voting stations says something else. Even the oppostion candidate said that the numbers " were an insult to the intelligens of egyptians". You don't even live in Egypt. The egyptian and syrian election were both a farce.