Brotherhood Candidate, Mohammed Mursi, Wins Egypt’s Presidential Election & God Help Us All – UPDATE
John Kerry, clueless John, warned not to prejudge the Brotherhood -
“Obviously, American concerns about the Muslim Brotherhood’s past statements and positions are widely shared and well understood,” Democratic Senator John Kerry said in a statement hailing the “historic” election.
“But it would be a mistake for us to pull back from our engagement with a free and democratic Egypt. This is a time to test intentions not to prejudge them.”
The Muslim Brotherhood was not mentioned by the White House in their statement today but they are clueless as well-
“We look forward to working together with President-elect Morsi and the government he forms, on the basis of mutual respect, to advance the many shared interests between Egypt and the United States. We believe that it is important for President-elect Morsi to take steps at this historic time to advance national unity by reaching out to all parties and constituencies in consultations about the formation of a new government,” the press secretary said.
“We believe in the importance of the new Egyptian government upholding universal values, and respecting the rights of all Egyptian citizens – including women and religious minorities such as Coptic Christians. Millions of Egyptians voted in the election, and President-elect Morsi and the new Egyptian government have both the legitimacy and responsibility of representing a diverse and courageous citizenry.” [PJ Media]
Original Story: Muhammad Mursi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate in Egypt, is declared the winner of the presidential election with 51.7% of the vote. In all likelihood, the military and the Brotherhood reached some kind of agreement.
Christian Post: Kurt J. Werthmuller, a research fellow at the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom has previously told The Christian Post, “A Morsi presidency would give more license to the Muslim Brotherhood to institute conservative Islamist policies in the country, and this would without a doubt make life more restrictive and discriminatory toward the Coptic Christian minority.”
“In other words, a Morsi presidency would give more license to the Muslim Brotherhood to institute conservative Islamist policies in the country, and this would without a doubt make life more restrictive and discriminatory toward the Coptic Christian minority,” Werthmuller explained.
Anti-blasphemy laws and conversions from Islam are high on the Brotherhood agenda and they have made no secret of wanting a Sharia-style theocracy. Coptic Christians who make up 10% of the population have long been subject to discrimination and the Brotherhood wants an Islamic theocracy.
Brotherhood jubilation in Tahrir Square today
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The military still holds the power since declaring martial law. The military wiped out the constitution and the Islamic Parliament, which would have made an instant theocracy possible. The two sides now have to agree on the constitution and the balance of power.
The Brotherhood has called Israel “an enemy of the state.” This win puts the Egypt-Israel peace treaty in jeopardy though Mursi has said he will abide by the Camp David Accords.
According to All Africa, Mursi claims the following views as of May, 2012 –
Military rule and transition
Mursi insisted that no one is above the law but did not clarify his vision for the army’s status. He added that the parliament will monitor the army’s budget but secrecy will be required in certain areas. Mursi also said that he will consult the military council before choosing a Defense Minister in a new government. (Reuters – April 21, 2012)
Religious or civil state
Mursi argued that Article 2 of the constitution which declares Sharia as the main source of legislation sets the “the general framework and basics” that no constitution shall cross. (Aswat Masriya – April 22, 2012)
Camp David Accord
“We will commit to all international agreements, including the Camp David Accord.” (Wafd – April 21, 2012)
Intellectual background
“We are all keen on a modern, stable state – a national, law-ruled, democratic state where the people rule.” (Campaign rally – April 21, 2012)
Women rights
We attempt to support and empower the women of Egypt. We believe in the participation of women in all walks of life stemming from the fact that women are equal to men in status. We plan to eliminate obstacles that prevent women from participating in the public sphere. We will protect women from all forms of discrimination in the workplace. (Presidential platform – Ikhwan Online)
Political system and presidential authorities
“The party (Freedom and Justice) believes that transforming into a full parliamentary system will not be suitable in light of the current circumstances – we prefer a mixed presidential-parliamentary system. There is a need to amend the fifth chapter in the constitution that tackles presidential authorities.” (Aswat Masriya – December 25, 2011)
Education and scientific research
“I plan to adopt an education system with an Islamic reference that will emphasize the sense of belonging to the country.” (CBC – May 10, 2012)
Read more at All Africa
