Former president Hosni Mubarak was convicted to life imprisonment for not preventing the killing of more than
800 citizens during the 18 days of protests, but who will gain most from the
verdict? The disappointment of many at a verdict that seems once again not to
have
held to account anyone for the actual killing of more than 840 Egyptians may
turn voters out of their armchairs to vote against Ahmed Shafiq for all that he stands for.
That said, his stirring of the fears that his rival would send the country back
to the dark ages could equally appeal to those who feel most at risk of
discrimination, especially the Christian community. He is appealing to the
silent
majority; Mohamed Morsi to those who shout out loud.
Egypt is at a critical point in its untidy transition. It still has no agreed
constitution for whoever is elected. In the past, it was easy to say that he
who
was elected took power. So long as the army's intentions remain unclear -
possibly even to itself - there is no saying how much power the president will
enjoy.
The army has said that it will hand over to an elected president at the end of
the month. It has said it will not interfere in the process by which Egyptians
elect their new president.
To add to the uncertainty, the courts may disqualify Ahmed Shafiq. Then
Egyptians would be faced with a familiar process: an election for president for
which
there is only one candidate. Not what the revolution was about.
For more news and expert analysis about Egypt, please see Egypt Politics & Security.
© 2012 Menas Associates