This is nothing new. In the constitutional referendum held in March, the Muslim Brotherhood handed out food (including meat by the kilogram) and money to those who voted “yes” in accordance with their wishes. “Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood ‘trying to rig poll with gifts’,” from the Evening Standard, November 29 (thanks to The Religion of Peace):
The Muslim Brotherhood was today accused of attempting to rig Egypt’s election by handing out gifts and food at polling stations in a desperate attempt to win power.
Witnesses told the Evening Standard that the Islamist party, which is expected to secure a large share of the votes, had a strong presence both inside and outside polling stations.
Onlookers claimed some Brotherhood groups were allowed to set up tables with laptop computers in order to show “people how to vote”.
Voting laws passed after the fall of Hosni Mubarak’s regime in February outlaw bribes or campaigning inside or near polling stations.
Bel Trew, a film-maker working in Tahrir Square, said: “We have seen people offering gifts to people outside polling stations. This is against the law and would certainly not be allowed in other democratic countries.”
Today voting continued with turnout again reported to be high. Student Mariam, who would not give her full name for fear of reprisals said: “I wanted to boycott the elections, as the parliament will have no power and because of what happened in Tahrir, but if we don’t vote the Muslim Brotherhood will win the majority.”
But there is growing support for the Muslim Brotherhood with many claiming the party is the best option to bring order to Egypt.
“The Freedom and Justice Party (Muslim Brotherhood) are the most organised party right now,” said Hossam, 39, an insurance broker who went to a Catholic school in Cairo.
“They have a religious view but they are the only ones who have a good plan for the country.” The outcome of the election will indicate whether Egypt will remain secular or move down an Islamic path as have other countries swept up in the Arab Spring.
Egypt’s existing constitution already enshrines Sharia as the basis of legislation (Article 2). That is certain not to budge from the next one.
Zeinab Saad, 50, said: “I am voting for this country’s sake. We want a new beginning. Its a great thing to feel like your vote matters.”
The complicated voting process is staggered over the next six weeks across 27 provinces, divided into thirds with run-offs held a week after the first round in each location.
Voters have to pick two individuals and one alliance or party slate – a system that has left many of the 50 million eligible voters puzzled and apparently undecided….
That gives the Muslim Brotherhood an opening as well, even without their “showing people how to vote.”