Maria’s Note: 24 Hours

One day before the final round of the first presidential elections in the history of Egypt, we are witness of the deepest confusion in the sociopolitical arena since the spark of the revolution. 

Yesterday, the judges of the Supreme Constitutional Court, who were elected under the ousted regime of Hosni Mubarak, declared the Political Isolation Law unconstitutional. The fact that they allowed Shafiq to continue in the running was not a big surprise for anyone. However, the dissolution of one third of the parliament, and probably the complete disbanding of it, was an unexpected decision. 

As a result, the Muslim Brotherhood and the Nur Party have lost their political base on the institution. The Brotherhood candidate, Morsi said yesterday that he respects the verdict of the SCC but he is worried that members of the former regime could steal the revolutionary dream, “plotting against the people”.

Shafiq appeared triumphantly promising to restore stability and fight against chaos. In front of hundreds of supporters who were chanting, “We love you, President”, Shafiq said that “Egypt needs leadership, and it needs manhood in leadership.”

El Baradei affirmed his disagreement with the decision of the SCC saying that electing a president without either a constitution or a parliament is like “electing an ‘emperor’ with more power than the deposed dictator. A travesty.”

Dr. Abou El Fotouh felt outraged by the verdict and on his Facebook page he called it a “complete coup”.

These days, the political situation in Egypt is like a rollercoaster. Everything can change within an hour.

WE SAID THIS: People are exhausted, but today is Friday. Place your bets!