Not voting can be interpreted as evidence of passivity, cowardice,, cynicism or surrender. Perseverance is the only way that ultimately pays. To say my vote does not count anyway or that the elections will be tampered-with, rigged, altered, bought or that they are the result of misrepresentations to the many ignores the fact that the world community was given a chance to see these fraudulent acts first hand. To ensure that these systemic manipulations are kept in check is to insist in certain safeguards:
1- More has to vote. In the latest referendum about the constitution, only a tiny fraction of Egyptians living in Western countries cast their votes, and the majority said NO to the proposed Constitution document. A respected friend told me what is equivalent “my vote does not count anyway”. I say that if we continue on this path we will not have the right to whine and carp about the vote doctored results. We must be stronger and smarter than to allow that to happen.
2- Independent judges and ample outside observers (as well as representatives of the coalition) ought to supervise each precinct, especially those suspected of previous manipulations. I suspect we will have a listening ear amongst the democratically-elected world leaders.
3- Seculars, liberals, women’s groups and religious minorities have to UNITE FOR THE SAKE OF EGYPT. They must have the goal of eradicating this dark cloud that hovers over Egypt at present. I was told that cracks are taking place between El-Baradei group and that of Amr Moussa. Both men as well as other leaders and youth groups are well meaning and want the best of Egypt’s future. In my judgment, El-Baradei is a gift that Egypt needs at this time; he has the background, the respect of world leaders, the needed consistency, the purity of purpose, no personal or group agenda and he can surround himself with many selfless reform-minded scholars and youth representatives to save Egypt at this time from its enormous breath-taking decline.
We are about to celebrate the second anniversary of the youth uprising in Egypt, some of whom lost their lives or livelihood forever hoping to build a better Egypt for them and for generations to come. They earned the respect of the whole world who watched in awe as events unfolded. These were HEROES. The current occupier of the Egyptian Presidential Palace proved himself to be a NERO. He talked a good game of reform while he presided over a despotic, erratic, brutal and unpredictable regime. He must be ousted before he inflicts more harm on the Country. Not to vote at this time means one thing: that we elected to become a ZERO. This is at time when we have to harness every ounce of energy to stop this tsunami before it engulfs us all.
Dr. Morsi described those who voted against the flawed, ambiguous, dangerous cooked constitution as Copts told by their Churches how to vote, and a bunch of traitors. I am a Copt. The Church did not tell me how to vote. Dr. Morsi: Should I say yes to a contrived 234 –article document that renders me a slave because of my inherited faith? Does the traitor list include Dr. El-Baradei, Sabbahi, Moussa, Abou-El-Ghar and all others who disagreed with you? Is this your definition of Democracy?
No wonder that Chancellor Merkel declined from helping Egypt unless they observe real Democracy and America postponed its aid of 1.4 Billion Dollars forwarded to Egypt until matters become clearer. Dr. Morsi, Egypt is becoming poorer and the forces of survival are stronger than anything else. They may turn violent at any time. Should we brace for living in tents, driving camels and enjoying the medicinal powers of camel urine?
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Lotfy Basta MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FACP, FACC, FCCP, FAHA