Elections in Egypt

Commenting on elections planned for Egypt on Nov. 28, Joannes Zakaria, the Coptic bishop of Luxor, said on Oct. 3 that Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis, conservative Muslims, appeared to be the most organized political groups. But, he said, “those who want a truly democratic regime that respects the rights of all” should have a strong say in the elections. “One has to keep in mind that since 1952, from Nasser’s revolution, until today, Egypt was ruled by a military regime that did not prepare society for democracy,” Bishop Zakaria said. “The main problem in Egypt today is political ignorance, for which everything ends up having a religious connotation,” he said. “This is true both for Christians and for Muslims. We all need to mature politically.” Bishop Zakaria said, “I would not have any problems to vote for a Muslim if I considered him appropriate for the office.”