This is how the Jesuit Islamologist, Fr. Khalil Samir described the current situation in Egypt to Vatican Radio. His country of birth, Egypt is experiencing a political deadlock and a climate of tension as it awaits the results of the presidential elections.
“Of course – Fr. Samir said –there is a risk of the army trying to take over power as it did during the Mubarak era and straight after his fall. But there is also a possibility that military intervention could bring equilibrium in areas in which one group dominates unjustly over another. The simple fact that the Muslim Brotherhood announced the victory of their candidate on Monday, influencing the mood of the entire population, indicates an unwillingness to show respect for the law.”
Fr. Samir commented positively on the widespread participation of Christian Copts in the elections.
“The unusual widespread participation of Copts in the presidential elections is a positive sign. It means now Christians finally feel like “citizens”, like they partake in the decisions of the Egyptian people. Their vote was clearly anti-Islamic as the majority voted for former Prime Minister, Shafiq. Copts are afraid of a potential reinforcement of Article 2 of the Egyptian Constitution, which establishes Sharia law as a basis for legislation. Indeed, Sharia law is based on personal decisions taken by the Ulemas which can be seriously discriminative, violating religious freedom. The Muslim Brotherhood has issued contradictory statements on this, which do not convince Christians and liberals.”
Finally, Fr. Samir drew a comparison between Egypt and Tunisia, the country which kick started the Arab Spring revolts.
“I have just returned from Tunisia where the democratic process has been well ahead for some time now, since the end of the Arab Spring. Islamist party Ennadha which has ties with the Muslim Brotherhood was elected to power but does not base legislation on Sharia law and is opposed to any form of extremism."
"At the Oasis Foundation international meeting in Tunis, the President of the Republic, Marzuki gave a speech on the freedom of conscience, in which he stated that he was in favour of a civil society in which Muslims, Christians, Jews and atheists enjoyed the same rights, where there was no gender or social class discrimination. An important statement in support of human rights.”