Truth vs Hype: Egypt; The Rise of the Islamists

The military or Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) which is overseeing the transition to democracy has become extremely unpopular for using violence on protesters who fear they do not want to hand over power to the elected government.

The biggest gainers in this election have been the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, called the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) who have won almost 50% of the vote.

Mohammad Mursi, Chairman of the FJP told us categorically that they would not field a Presidential candidate, which if true could be a harbinger for much needed democratic reform in the country.

The biggest opposition to the Brotherhood's campaign has come from the Al Nour Party (25% of the vote) which practices a very conservative form of Islam derived on the Salafist school of thought.

People raise hands at an election rally of the Al Nour Party at a referendum suggesting Sharia law for the country.

Party spokesman Mohd. Nour develops Islamic apps for Apple products but inexplicably said that Al Qaeda might be a figment of the Western imagination.

The man who may very well have the last laugh is Amr Moussa, currently the frontrunner for the post of the President.

Coptic human rights lawyer, Naguib Ghobrial is worried that with the success of the Islamists, violence against Christians might rise.

There is also apprehension over the role of women in a more Islamicised society as women in Egypt have always been active in the public sphere and were vital part of the Revolution. Most women we met however seemed confident that curbing of any freedom would lead to a backlash.

Though people have largely voted for the Islamic parties, the voice of liberalism in Egypt is quite loud too. French educated, Mahmoud Azab, advisor to the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar University in Cairo is one such leading figure who insists on an inclusive approach to build a new Egypt.

Another important voice of the Muslim world, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Ali Gomaa too believes that Egypt will not go the Iran way as it remains committed to the values of a civilian state.

While the political battle is in its last phase, on the outskirts of Cairo, a battle for justice is being fought. The trial of Hosni Mubarak is taking place in full media glare with massive security.

Families of victims who died in the Revolution gathered outside are demanding Mubarak's death penalty. A victim carries his 8 year old son's bloodstained vest who died last January.

The fair trial of Hosni Mubarak would be good starting point for the country and its civilians who have suffered a lot to put an end to a 30 year old dictatorship.