At 8 this morning, local time, the electoral districts in Egypt opened. The wait is anxious. Not only because they are the first free elections in the country's history, but also because they take place after a grandiose popular uprising that 15 months ago ousted Hosni Mubarak, the dictator who had ruled the country for over 30 years. It is the just reward for the struggle that cost the deaths of thousands of people in the wave of revolts in the name of freedom and democracy that continues to shake North Africa and the Middle East, better known as the Arab Spring.
On January 21, the legislative elections, marked by the broad victory of the Muslim Brotherhoodi who obtained 47,8% of the seats in Parliament, 235 out of 498. Since then the country has continued to remain under the control of the military who, however, have promised to return power to civilians immediately after the election of the new president.
The main unknowns that interest international observers are the values that will be expressed in the new Constitution (the most delicate task that will fall to the new prime minister) and the economic model with which it will be decided to face the crisis.
The 50 million voters called to vote will be able to choose from 12 candidates. The electoral campaign focused on three main themes: the role of Islam in Egyptian legislation, street safety and the economic crisis. According to the latest polls, there are four favourites. All from right-wing parties, two secular and two Islamists.
Amr moussa – Secretary General of the Arab League and former Foreign Minister under Mubarak is conconsidered a liberal. Recognized internationally, it is also for this reason considered the most suitable for tackling the economic crisis and managing the country's transition process. However, opponents see him as an exponent of the old regime and accuse him of not having been harsh enough in condemning Mubarak.
Ahmed Shafiq – Mubarak's last prime minister, he is the leader closest to the army who promises to pacify the streets and lift the country out of the social ruin it has fallen into.
Abdel Aboul Foutouh (moderate pro-Islamic) – Kicked out by the Muslim Brotherhood for running as a candidate, the 75-year-old doctor spent the days of the revolution in hospitals near Tahrir Square treating the wounded. He is certainly the symbol of a break with the Mubarak regime, during which he also had to serve several years in prison. Thanks to his transversality, she has been able to win over liberals and Salafis: there are reportedly among his trustees a Marxist professor, a liberal journalist and a Coptic professor. He seems to be the favorite of Egyptians abroad. According to opponents, however, his moderation is only a facade since in his party the Salafis, among the most radical Islamic fundamentalists, weigh too much to maintain a position that is not very radical.
Mohamed Morsi (Justice and Freedom party - Fjp) - The official candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood, who find great support in the population and who have largely won the last legislative elections. An engineering professor, he has worked in the United States and has always sided against the Mubarak regime. Opponents contest his religious radicalism. In one of the last rallies he declared: "The Koran is our constitution, the prophet is our leader and the defense of religion is our way".
On the left, however, there are two favourites:
Hamdin Sabbahi – The Nasserian founder of the Karama (Dignity) party could become the surprise of the elections. Secular Arab nationalist, enemy of Israel, he is appreciated by the country's intellectual elites.
Khaled Ali – A young lawyer and activist, he is known for having fought against corruption and for workers' rights.
The elections will extend throughout tomorrow. The name of the winner is expected to be known by next Tuesday, even if some polls may already outline the victory a few days earlier. The candidate who obtains at least 50% of the votes will be nominated president in the first round. If this does not happen, the vote will return in mid-June.
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