Election in Egypt – The People Speak Out and Loud

If dictators think they can rule for ever, they are mistaken. They can have three choices:

1. pave the way for free and fair elections;
2. face national or international court;
3. execution.

The people are watching. It may take decades but democracy will prevail.

I am privileged to have the opportunity to learn from Egypt , as an observer.

The Egyptians deserve nothing less than democracy

The Road to Democracy in Egypt

Step 1: Revolution

An elderly voter helped by military to go up stairs to polling station.

Over 30 years of living under Emergency Law that gives security disabilities turned out to vote, free from fear and threats. Over 50 parties contest the 3-round election of the 498 seats in the People’s Assembly (lower House). 50 million Egyptians are illegible. 6,591 independent candidates plus 590 proportional lists.

I made my choice! Election officials and party agents sealing a ballot box at the end of day 1, under the full supervision and control of the presiding judge.tying up ballot box before storing it overnight in side the classroom with party agents guiding it outside.

Very confusing: the elderly, women in the remote areas were most confused.

Judges are in charge of all the polling and counting stations. The military, the marines are in charge of security.

Crazy system? Yes!!!

But it works……….

The judges are the most trusted officials in the country. They are young and dignified. They have the respect of the public. 20% are women.

Political parties campaign till the very last second-even on counting day and inside polling stations.

Freedom and Justice party List-Women on list of conservative Muslim parties are not seen - They are replaced by the party logo or the name of the husband.

best description of the 2 days: Organized chaos

But it works.
Step 2: Preparing the Constitution
Step 3: Presidential Election in 2012
Step 3: The Revolution continues. That is the more than daunting task of the winners – the Muslim Brotherhood party, Freedom and Justice- likely. The moderates and liberals will have a part to play.

Women must lift up their veils for the judge who is the chief of the polling station before they are allowed to vote.

Tying up the ballot box at the end of day 1. The box is kept inside the sealed classroom overnight under the supervision of arty agents and military.Ballot boxes are taken to counting stations in military trucks. Very chaotic as crowds of thousands trying to witness the counting.