Egyptians’ embrace of a set of proposed constitutional amendments in this weekend’s referendum is the clearest sign yet that leadership of the country’s revolution may be passing from youthful activists to Islamist religious leaders, according to analysts.
Electoral officials said 77% of Egyptians voted to accept a set of proposed amendments to Egypt’s constitution that will, among other changes, limit the presidency to two four-year terms and ease restrictions on independent political participation, according to results announced Sunday.
How exactly is “limit the presidency to two four-year terms and ease restrictions on independent political participation” a sign of Islamic influence?
#1, Archer, the Islamic influence is the undercurrent. The Muslim Brotherhood, which favors a strict Islamic state in Egypt, is the best-organized party and will probably win big in a quick election, which Egypt will now have. Christians overwhelmingly opposed this referendum, preferring a slower process which would allow secular opposition groups to organize and become more effective.
The Muslim Brotherhood is way overblown in the Western media. Talk to actual Egyptians and you will find that they are like the Tea Party in American politics. The vast majority of Egyptians think they are loons. They will gain some seats, but not nearly enough for a majority. Watch Al Jazeera English if you don’t believe me.
#3, I have talked to actual Egyptians. Christian Egyptians are very, very worried about their status. The fact is that neither al Jazeera nor anyone else knows how many votes the Brotherhood will get. Brotherhood candidates running as “independents” in an only somewhat free election in 2005 won 20% of parliamentary seats, in spite of Mubarak regime’s disqualifying many of their candidates and throwing some in jail.