Illiteracy not to be underestimated

Presidential campaigning is in full swing; voters are faced with candidates who can be roughly divided into three groups: one is somewhat associated with the old regime, another one represents a variation of Islamist tunes, and the third one reflects revolutionary thought.

The perplexity of voters is however juxtaposed by some influential public figures’ declaration that they would back particular candidates, which affects the opinion of some voters, who lack the background to make their own decision.

Here we have the first group of hopefuls playing the tune of experienced statesmen, who declare they would need less time to build a new Egypt than their rivals. They claim the ability to restore security and discipline in a short period. These candidates have a substantial number of supporters.

Then come the Islamists with their undeniable rallying machinery and ability to address the spiritual side of Egyptians, an electorate known to be religious by nature.

They promise the voters heaven on earth by means of applying rules of social justice. The vehemence and support they enjoy on the street cannot be ignored.

Candidates associated with the revolution are perhaps the least present in the street, despite having programmes that speak of total change in all walks of life. According to opinion polls they are mainly backed by the middle class.