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Egypt excited to view their nation's first ever presidential debate
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
May 11th, 2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
May 11th, 2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
In what is taken for granted - and even frequently ignored in the West,
the people of Egypt watched with excitement as their TV screens lit up
with their nation's first ever presidential debate. Amr Moussa, former
head of the Arab League and former foreign minister, faced off against
Abdul Moneim Abol Fotoh, a moderate Islamist and former Muslim
Brotherhood member as they weighed in with their country's most
important issues during the televised debate.
Gathering in living rooms and cafes across Egypt, crowds watched the debate between the two presidential frontrunners.
Both men fielded tough questions from two anchors in a tightly structured debate seen on three private satellite stations. The two candidates also had the chance to challenge each other with pointed questions about Islamic religious law, links to the old regime and fiscal policy.
"It's the birth of democracy in Egypt," smiled Arafa Abu Al Fadel, a 36-year-old production manager at Egyptian state TV. "We have seen this in France or Europe. It gives us a chance to see the candidates, it gives us a chance to choose . I am now confused, but that is a good thing!"
"This is a new way. It's an American type of debate. From the time of the pharaohs, we have had leaders imposed on us," Al Fadel's friend Ahmed Rifai, a 29-year-old production manager said. "Now we get to choose between many candidates. It is the first time we experience democracy. Even if we don't make the best choice and are confused, it is the first step toward democracy."
The two candidates touched on their economic platforms, the role of the military - which currently runs Egypt but is due to hand over power to whoever wins the presidency - women's role in politics and even on their own health and what salary they would take if they won.
But the debate gave Egyptians a taste of the tactics common to presidential contests in the United States and Europe, as each tried to enshrine his image and tarnish the other's.
Moussa presented himself as the voice of experience that could bring security to a country rocked by turmoil since Mubarak's fall.
Aboul Fotouh depicted himself as the candidate of the revolution, kicking off the debate by naming those who had been killed by security forces before and during the protests against the regime.
Eighteen days of popular protest culminated in the downfall of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak on Feb. 11, 2011.
As to the winner of the debate, Amr Moussa was the hands down favorite. "Because he has political experience, I think his four years will be good and that he will be just," one viewer said. "Yes, he participated in the old regime, but we know what his opinions were during that old regime."
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