Analysis: Egyptian Elections First Step in Transition

Rabab El Mahdi in Foreign Policy Magazine argued that while elections are necessary, and conditions surrounding them are bleak, elections are only part of the political process unfolding in Egypt. Many analysts and Egyptians have complaints about the elections, like timing, having a mixed electoral system, and the “power of money,” and these “pessimistic views tend to conflate the structural limitations of elections in general with their implementation.” Mahdi also argues that the elections present many opportunities such as bridging the Islamist-secular divide, forcing parties to form and develop, and giving citizens, parties, and civil society organizations a chance to “reclaim” politics. While there are many challenges and flaws in the elections, “it is still providing an invaluable opportunity for the development of Egypt’s political sphere.”

Also in Foreign Policy Magazine, Marc Lynch stated that even though the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has poorly mishandled preparing for the elections, the election law is incoherent, the rules are constantly changing, Egyptians do not know what is going on, and the Islamists are poised to win big, holding elections is still important and a positive step in transition. “For Egypt to make a transition to a more democratic, legitimate and accountable political order it has to actually start making that transition. And that means elections.” Lynch also expressed optimism, despite all the pitfalls, because “there is a broad and deep public consensus in support of democracy and enough powerful competing forces to prevent any easy return to Mubarak-style authoritarian rule,” as well as because of the Obama administration’s work to push the SCAF in the right direction.