The Coptic Christian community in Alexandria has expressed anger over a decision by the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) not to choose candidates nominated by the Coptic Church for 28 November parliamentary elections.
According to anonymous church sources, the Coptic Church is considering boycotting the elections except in two constituencies, candidates for which were approved by Coptic Pope Shenouda III–namely, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mufid Shehab and Local Development Minister Mohamed Abdel Salam al-Mahgoub.
“It's a pity that only five Coptic candidates were chosen by the NDP from all governorates,” said Coptic activist Joseph Malak, vice chairman of the Cairo-based Al-Kalimah Center for Human Rights.
For his part, Kamil Seddik, secretary of the Coptic Confessional Council, denied that the church intended to boycott the polls. “Elections are a civil matter that doesn't involve the church,” he said.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
