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In 2005 a change to the Egyptian Constitution allowed candidates other than former president Hosni Mubarak to enter the race for the presidency. At that point, Egypt witnessed a phase of inspired political hopefulness. The Egyptian nation believed that they would freely practice their right to vote for a candidate of their choice.
What they didn't anticipate was a voracious opponent who would threaten the throne of Mubarak and his heir, Gamal. The early “Rehearsal Democracy” results revealed that Ayman Nour, founder of El-Ghad Party—a liberal secular political party—was the top contender, after Mubarak, of course.
In later reports, observers noted that Nour would have had the highest number of votes if it were not for fraud and voting interventions by state security. This resulted in a swift advance by Mubarak’s men against the president’s new opponent. Nour was accused and charged with forging powers of attorney to form his party.
The abrupt end of Nour’s political career came with a five year prison sentence.
Not until the ousting of Mubarak in February was Ayman Nour released (officially for health reasons). He has since raised a lawsuit to clear his name and has officially declared himself a candidate for the presidential elections.
However, the Ayman Nour of 2011, bears little resemblance to the Nour of 2005. His health has deteriorated with his time in prison, leaving many other candidates with an upper hand for facing the strenuous programs of an election campaign. His popularity has been heavily affected by rumors and ongoing questions over how vaild the accusations of fraud really were. Still, many Egyptians still look forward to his performance at the elections. The lawsuit was found in his favor and he may yet come back in fighting form for a rigorous campaign.
He has a history of rising to the challenge—back when he was an active member of the Egyptian nationalist liberal Wafd party and the chief editor of Wafd newspaper a dispute between Nour and Dr. Numan Gumaa—a 2005 presidential nominee—put an end to his membership at the Wafd party. Nour then moved to Al-Wasat moderate Islamic party, whilst fighting battles on the side at the Egyptian Parliament as a deputy member of the People’s Assembly—the lower chamber of parliament.
Now it seems another party politics controversy is standing in his way again, this time involving the El-Ghad Party itself. A parallel party, under the same name as that founded by Nour, is now headed by Moustafa Moussa, who was elected as president of the original party back in 2005. Both Nour and Moustafa Moussa are now competing for the candidacy while running for the same party, in essence.
The coming period will verify the level of negative influence these events have had upon Nour’s popularity.
A Democratic Coalition for Egypt
The Majalla sat down with Ayman Nour shortly before the formation of the National Democratic Alliance for Egypt was officially announced. This coalition includes liberal, national, Islamic and leftist parties and is running in the presidential elections as one unit. The parties included in the Allaince are: The Freedom and Justice Party, Wafd, National Progressive Unionist Party, Arab Democratic Nasserist Party, Democratic Front Party, Karama (Dignity) Party, Democratic Generation Party, Freedom Egypt Party, Al-Nour Party, Tomorrow Party, Socialist Labour Party, Egyptian Arab Socialist Party, Culture and Technology Party, the Cultural Party, Coalition of the Revolution Front, Arab Alliance Party, Justice Party, and the Solidarity Party.
He spoke to Majalla about the coming challenges.
The Majalla: What do think about the high number of candidates for presidency?
Having numerous candidates is an advantage, as it gives people the opportunity to choose from a number of alternatives, instead of having one candidate imposed upon them.
Q: What are your personal prospects for winning the elections whilst running alongside so many candidates?
I trust in God’s justice. I also have a relatively distinctive and significant advantage.
Q: What is this advantage?
We have a program set for the future party and a realistic vision, which is the product of long years of laboring in parliament. Also, I have a special affiliation with the Egyptian street and people’s factual grievances. Besides, I am the only one amongst the candidates who has had a previous experience in Egyptian elections, back in 2005.
Q: The Mubarak administration had a weakening effect on parties and on people’s tendencies towards distrusting party representatives in favor of independent candidates. What are your thoughts on the matter?
With all due respect to independent candidates, I believe that the real party representative is better suited as he would be backed by a clear vision and a solid political and ideological stance.
Q: Some suggest that your years in prison have had a negative effect on your political stature. What do you say to this?
On the contrary, as I pay frequent visits throughout Egypt I will carry on with my campaign through the various liberal coalitions and aim towards a wide dialogue with everyone concerning my political agenda.
Q: What are the main items on your electoral agenda?
Presenting a “recipe” to heal Egypt’s political, economic and social ailments, with a special focus on the middle classes.
Q: What is your political orientation?
I am a Liberal with a Muslim background.
Q: What are the main practicalities on your agenda in regards to foreign policy?
Firstly, the integration of Egypt and Sudan, then, placing the countries of the Nile at the top of the list of priorities for Egypt’s foreign policy, and the opening of a common Arab market.
Q: What about relations with Iran?
There is no logical reason for the enmity with Iran over the past several years. Iran is a Muslim country and is regionally important. Relations must be developed with Iran to achieve common interests.
Q: Is your foreign policy in regards to the United States subject to certain obligations as a result of special aid during your recent predicament?
Relations with the United States should be subject to a framework of equality and respect towards national decisions and Arab interests.
Q: Who is your strongest opponent?
All the candidates are strong.
Q: Does it bother you that some of the parties and candidates have religious affiliations?
I believe that every Egyptian has the right to political activities. However, religious ideologies should not act as a barrier between a human being and his political rights. Religion and politics should not be muddled up.
Q: How do you suggest mending the clash between the constitution and the elections?
The constitution should be established first, so to base the election processes around it. A constitutional announcement should be publicized and a constituent assembly should be elected to draft a new constitution. Then, the presidential elections are run and later the parliamentary elections.
Q: What is your response to those who question your legitimacy to run for president given your criminal record?
Everyone now knows the circumstances related to the fabricated accusations following the 2005 presidential elections. I filed an appeal at the court to re-examine my case. The appeal was successful, which gives me the right to run for elections.
