| A massively divided public opinion in response to ElBaradei's withdrawal decision |
| By Nadine El Sayed |
| Diplomat and former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Mohamed ElBaradei has been making headlines ever since he founded the National Association for Change in 2009. From calling for constitutional amendments regarding presidential elections to supporting the January 25 uprising and up to announcing his bid for presidency in the upcoming elections, ElBaradei has remained in the spotlight of both the media and society. But his January 14 statement that he was withdrawing from the presidential race sure stirred a storm in the public opinion — tactically announced less than two weeks before the first anniversary of the January 25 uprising.The Nobel Peace Prize laureate released a video criticizing the de facto rule of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) and their insistence to hold elections before a new Constitution is written, as well as the recent violent crackdowns on activists and protestors. ElBaradei has affirmed, however, that he will join the revolutionary ranks outside an official capacity and through his leadership of the National Association for Change work to achieve a strong civil society. His goals are to unite the youth and focus on the initial and basic demands of the revolution: “bread, freedom and social justice.”ElBaradei's entry into local politics has been polarizing from the start, with some idolizing him as a national savior and others accusing him of being a US spy; his withdrawal caused even more divide in opinion. Egypt Today hit the streets to find out whether people think ElBaradei's latest move is a matter of principle or just a publicity stunt. Edited excerpts: “It is a respectful decision that he should have taken months ago. We are currently living under a military dictatorship that is trying to oppress the revolution using all the means available, all the way from misleading propaganda to killing. Anyone who has opposed the SCAF or even criticized them has been publicly defamed through their propaganda machines. Taking part in any of their sham elections is only giving them legitimacy. […] Running for presidency under such conditions would only mean that you are willing to be a marionette or a civil façade for their military dictatorship, for if you even slightly criticize them you do not stand a chance. He finally realized, although a little late, that the only way of continuing this revolution and meeting its goals is through going back to the streets and fighting with the people. I think such a decision is nine months overdue. […] Better late than never.” — Nazly Hussein, 28, activist “I don’t believe it. It is a political game, and it’s very well known. He will get back into the presidential race after [January 25]. [His withdrawal announcement] is a rephrasing for: ‘Go to Tahrir Square on January 25 and offend the SCAF.’ After this he will say: ‘Okay, now [the situation] is all better and clearer, I [will respond to] the demands of Egyptians who chose me and get back to the elections.” — Mohammad Fayez, 30, author, song and script writer. “Personally, I liked ElBaradei when he was in his old position. But when he suddenly jumped [on the political scene in Egypt], I felt that he should have been wiser when dealing with the youth who are full of enthusiasm and might not know the consequences of their actions. I mean that he used to act like fuel to the fire. I am not a supporter of ElBaradei so you can say I am happy he withdrew from the race.” — Affaf Nassar, 31, document controller at Majid al Futtaim Properties, Egypt. “ElBaradei is a leader who believes in teamwork and democratic collective thinking. He wanted to serve his country in a bad atmosphere that disfigures everything beautiful, so any successful man is a thief and any successful woman is lewd. His withdrawal made backward-thinking people happy and it took out of the race a man who could have raised the bar for the rest of the presidential candidates. It is definitely a step back.” — Wael El Laithy, 59, project manager at the Arabian Oil Company. “I am not convinced of [his announced reasons for withdrawal] — what I can see is that he can’t do what he promises his people. I also think he lost most of his supporters, including, for example, Mostafa El Naggar of the Justice Party.” — Mohamed Taher, 34, banker “I think ElBaradei felt the weight of the problems expected during the upcoming months, be it concerning the ruling party or the differences between all sectors of society, and decided he cannot face them.. So he preferred peaceful [withdrawal] so that he doesn’t lose his international respect. He is waiting [to run again] in another period in the future that is more suitable.” — Amr El Zomor, 43, manager “He [rightly] left the race because of the lack of fairness in the parliamentary elections and lack of opportunity for young revolutionaries in the new Parliament.” — Milad Awad Boutros, 57, senior manager “ElBaradei is very smart. He knows he's never going to get the post with how the current dynamics are working. Hence, his efforts to reach presidency will be wasted at this point. His only chance now is to rejoin the Tahrir revolution. It's either this, or he's throwing another propaganda stunt.” — Noha Nabil, 31, co-founder of Stamp talent management agency “He is an honest and direct man, and he wouldn't be able to achieve anything for the country in the current period if he was elected. Being in power as a president requires some givens that will not be available under the current make-up of Parliament and the kind of ministers expected to be chosen for the government.” — Ahmed El Marashly, 55, assistant vice president at a bank. “He is right in withdrawing in objection to how SCAF is running Egypt, but he is also trying to win Egyptians’ sympathy. Or maybe he is scared for his name and reputation in case he loses the race. I don’t understand what is happening and can be easily convinced of any view.” — Amr El Kholy, 34, senior manager. |
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