EGYPT: Egyptian protesters appear split over whether to participate in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections

Record ID: 860866

  • Title: EGYPT: Egyptian protesters appear split over whether to participate in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections
  • Date: 28th November 2011
  • Summary: PROTESTERS PRAYING PEOPLE WALKING IN SQUARE CROWD OF PROTESTERS BLOCKING MOHAMED MAHMOUD STREET (WHERE INTERIOR MINISTRY IS SITUATED)
  • Embargoed: 13th December 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Egypt, Egypt
  • City:
  • Country: Egypt
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA5HDO77KPAGH8W87WKDHCGU9AP
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Protesters gathered again in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Sunday (November 27) to try to evict the generals who replaced Hosni Mubarak, in a trial of strength that has muddied the run-up to Egypt's first vote since a popular revolt deposed the former leader.
    The parliamentary election that begins on Monday is the first step on the ruling military council's timetable toward a transfer to civilian rule, now promised for July.
    But protesters appear split over the election. Some do not trust the military to ensure a free vote, while others say the poll should not be a casualty of the campaign against military rule.
    "In my opinion, we should vote, we should not leave the forum clear for certain groups or parties to come to power. We need to express our views in the elections," said protester Zaki Bedir.
    The vote due to start on Monday is billed as Egypt's first free and fair election in decades, but a confusing array of candidates and parties and fears of bullying, bribery and violence at polling stations offer voters a daunting challenge.
    Some in Tahrir square said that despite any potential difficulties, it was imperative that everybody should take part.
    "We advise all the youth of Egypt to take part in the elections tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. We want stability and we need to pass through this phase we are now in. If the current situation continues, the country will collapse," said Ali Abdu.
    Groups in the square chanted slogans against the generals as people wandered among banners, tents and tea stalls with chairs and tables that lent the protest an air of permanence.
    The complex, drawn-out election to parliament's lower house concludes in early January. Voting for the upper house and the presidency will follow before the end of June.
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