Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cairo (Agenzia Fides) - The elections for the People's Assembly (Lower Chamber) of Egypt will be held on Nov. 28. This was announced by the Supreme Council of the armed forces, that has governed the country since the fall of Mubarak’s regime. The vote to elect the Shura (the Upper Chamber) will be held on January 29, 2012 and the two new Chambers will hold their first meeting in March 2012.
"The most organized parties are the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis, that will probably be able to obtain a good number of votes. On the other hand those who want a truly democratic regime that respects the rights of all have a strong say in the matter" says His Exc. Mgr. Joannes Zakaria to Fides, Coptic Catholic Bishop of Luxor.
"One has to keep in mind that since 1952, when Nasser's revolution, until today, Egypt was ruled by a military regime that did not prepare society to democracy", emphasizes Msgr Zakaria. "The old regime created an obedient citizen: eats, works, gets married, but must not think. It is clearly understood why the Egyptians religious identity is so important, even at a political level, because it is the only one they know".
"The main problem in Egypt today is political ignorance, for which everything ends up having a religious connotation", continues the Bishop of Luxor. "This is true both for Christians and for Muslims. We all need to mature politically, "Bishop Zakaria points out, and presents a concrete example:"Here in the diocese we are working hard to promote a critical and responsible consciousness among the faithful. In a recent meeting with a group of young people I surprised them when I said that if there were a Muslim candidate, suitable for an important public office, I would vote for him without any problems. This is because I do not look at the candidates religion but their human qualities and policies. Young people were shocked by my statements. I replied that in politics one should not look to religion but to their proposals on issues such as economic development".
"This point is strongly felt here in Luxor because with the collapse of tourism, people are suffering", said Mgr. Zakaria. "That is why there has been a surge in crime, because people are hungry and members of the old regime encourage the more desperate to commit criminal or terrorist acts. The Egyptian democratic change also raises fears in some neighboring countries, because a democratic Egypt would be an example to their peoples " concluded the Bishop of Luxor. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 28/09/2011)
