Egyptian Elections 2011

We are spending the christmas period in Egypt - Christmas in Cairo then three days in Luxor, and New Year in the Fayoum. My first blog here is rather a serious one about the current elections. Lightening up a bit, I have taken great joy in taking hundreds of photos of the graffiti and street art which are all over the place at the moment because of the Revolution. I had also found some marvellous old 1950's American cars, casually parked in the street. Eventually I'll put up a couple of my infamous 'Then & Now' pictures from Luxor. But for now, enjoy this one.

The Al-Nour Party, representing the Muslim ultra orthodox Salafi Movement.

The Freedom and Justice Party representing the Muslim Brotherhood 

The Egyptian Block Party

Egypt is expected to to be dominated by Political Islam, in stark contrast to the strictly secularist political character stretching back to the nationalism of Nasser, and recently typified by an ugly corrupt crony capitalism. The 83 year old Muslim Brotherhood are expected to be the dominant party. 

The question is, with whom will they rule? On one side there is the extreme puritan El Nour party representing the Salafi Movement. This is Saudi Wahabi in character, the Sunni equivalent to the Shia Taliban, the bearded pious zealots who want Halal tourism. On the other side is the secular grouping under the banner of The Egyptian Bloc. They consist of the liberal Free Egyptians, Al-Kotta Al Masriya, founded by the wealthy businessman Naguib Sawiris, the Social Democratic Party and the socialist Tagammu. The Free Egyptians tend to be supported by the minority Coptic Christians, lending an unfortunate sectarian character. A second small liberal grouping is the Revolution Continues Alliance.In very simple terms the choice is between a democratic Turkish style or a sunni equivalent to an undemocratic Iranian approach. Sadly the youthful idealistic atmosphere of the revolution will be hijacked by the Islamists, a hijacking phase that is perhaps typical of any revolution. This however depends on whether the military, through the currently ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, allows it. They took over following the end of President Hosni Mubarak 30 year rule this February, the result of the 25 January Revolution.  But whatever happens the West’s influence will be reduced, perhaps part of a global trend.

In the meantime Egypt has to cope with the continuing practical problems of the economy, food, employment and The Nile as it continues its 5,000 year search for its destiny.