The Muslim Brotherhood, outlawed for decades by Egypt's military rulers, took an important stride towards winning political power for the first time after voters overwhelmingly backed its call for a "yes" vote in polls over the weekend.
Some 77 per cent of voters gave their approval to a hastily prepared package of constitutional reforms that will limit the overarching powers of the presidency and pave the way for quick legislative and presidential elections in the autumn.
The youth movements and other secular figures who led hundreds of thousands of protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square and other parts of the country had opposed the vote, saying the reforms were too piecemeal.
More importantly, elections so soon will give the reformers little time to organise. Under the autocratic rule of Hosni Mubarak, genuine opposition parties did not exist, meaning the reformers will have to start from scratch. Although outlawed, the Muslim Brotherhood, whose goals are murky, operated a highly efficient, underground movement.
The referendum was considered one of the cleanest votes held in Egypt and turnout was almost unprecedented, but the Muslim Brotherhood was accused of intimidating voters by telling them it was their "religious duty" to vote "yes".
Remember, Mubarak was our "allie" for years....
Remember, Mubarak was our "allie" for years....
Stay safe.
2 comments:
Only the blind couldn't see this coming. Unfortunately many people choose not to see.
They are sneaky cats, Jim. They are arrogant. Little by little. Soon we look around and wonder where America went....
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