STAR/TRIBUNE
CAIRO - Islamist parties captured an overwhelming majority of votes in the first round of Egypt's parliamentary elections, setting up a power struggle with the much weaker liberals behind the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak 10 months ago. A hard-line religious group that wants to impose strict Islamic law made a strong showing with nearly a quarter of the ballots, according to results released Sunday.
The tallies offer only a partial indication of how the new parliament will look. There are still two more rounds of voting in 18 of the country's 27 provinces over the coming month and runoff elections on Monday and Tuesday to determine almost all of the seats allocated for individuals in the first round. But the grip of the Islamists over the next parliament appears set, particularly considering their popularity in provinces voting in the next rounds.
The High Election Commission said the Islamic fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party garnered 36.6 percent of the 9.7 million valid ballots cast for party lists. The Nour Party, a more hard-line Islamist group, captured 24.4 percent.
The strong Islamist showing worries liberal parties, and even some religious parties, who fear the two groups will work to push a religious agenda. It has also left many of the youthful activists behind the uprising that ousted Mubarak in February feeling that their revolution has been hijacked.
The Brotherhood has emerged as the most organized and cohesive political force in these elections. But with no track record of governing, it is not yet clear how they will behave in power. The party has positioned itself as a moderate Islamist party that wants to implement Islamic law without sacrificing personal freedoms, and has said it will not seek an alliance with the more radical Nour party.
The ultraconservative Salafis who dominate the Nour Party are newcomers to the political scene. They had previously frowned upon involvement in politics and shunned elections. They espouse a strict interpretation of Islam similar to that of Saudi Arabia, where the sexes are segregated and women must be veiled and are barred from driving. Its members say laws contradicting religion can't be passed.
Many in Egypt's Coptic Christian population, which makes up 10 percent of the country, fear the Salafis will push for laws that will make them second-class citizens.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think it is very important that these countries have overthrown dictators and have begun to start fresh. The problem with this however is who is going to come into power next. Some of the people running have very extreme goals having to do with following the Islamic religion, this could cause people of others religions to become persecuted or second class citizens. Other groups are taking a more mild approach wanting to follow Islamic law but still provide personal freedoms. I hope that these countries are able to make the right decisions and the voters are smart. It would be awful to see them in another strict and bad situation.
ReplyDeleteAnna c3
They are getting there, but its baby steps. Yes they overthrew a dictator, but now they are going to rule after a 1500 year old book. Not a whole lot better in my mind. Yes sure, they elect people to be in charge of the county. But when times get tough, there is always one thing they can agree on: The Quran. Im afraid that they in hard times will do just as the Quran says - simply because thats what they can agree on and thats what got them elected. Better than a dictator? Yes. But still not perfect. Democracy is a complex thing, and should be done on no book - No matter if its called The Bible, The Quran or The Tanakh.
ReplyDeleteMikkel M, 1st hour
In every crisis, there is opportunity. It doesn't mean those chances will guarantee success by allowing religion. To me religion is kind of outdated with the new world.People will be if the don't follow the same religion, but with an opportunity like this you have to change. The problem is danger does hide between change and opportunities.
ReplyDeleteBrendon S,1st hour
I agree with Anna, I think it isn't right to treat people based on their religion. Because no one has the right to say that one religion is better then another one, and also no one can tell you what you should believe in.
ReplyDeleteSo in this point a democracy would be much better that you can have your own beliefs but you also live in a community together with many different religions. I mean no one is says that you can't live with someone who has another belief.
Belinda B.7
Dictators are wrong, so I am glad Egypt got rid of their's, but I don't want the radical Islamists taking over. They have about a fourth of the votes, and I don't know if they can handle the power that comes with ruling a nation. The majority of those who make up the Nour party used to shun politics and elections, so they wouldn't make the best government leaders. Egypt needs strong leaders who know what they are talking about as they are rebuilding their country.
ReplyDeleteAlex H.p3
I don't think religion should ever be mix with politics because that can create a huge problem within the communities. If the religious group took control of the election, that would be like them dictating Egypt. Those who weren't of or supported the religion would likely be prosecuted or else exile.... or something...?
ReplyDeleteTanoyS.p3
I think its wrong that they shouldn't treat people different just because of their religion.I also think people should be able to like any religion. I also think its wrong that It shouldn't be mixed with politics.
ReplyDeleteMacKenzie N.1