Candidates from the liberal Egyptian Bloc in Cairo's second constituency have resorted to using religious publicity in their electoral campaigns to counter opponents from the Freedom and Justice Party, who are doing the same.
Al-Masry Al-Youm obtained a copy of the leaflets distributed by supporters of the Egyptian Bloc in front of polling stations. The leaflet opens with a Quranic verse from Chapter 18 that reads, "They were young men who believed in their Lord (Allah), and We increased them in guidance. "
Egyptian Bloc candidate Mohamed Abdel Ghany, running in the second constituency — which encompasses the districts of Zeitoun, Amireyah, Waily and Hadayeq al-Qobba — thanks his constituents for their votes and asks for their continued support in the run-offs.
The leaflet describes Abdel Ghany as a "defender of religion who refuses to abuse it for political ends.”
It says he "participated in designing and building mosques but has never abused his achievements like others have" and describes him as someone "who has unwavering faith in God.”
The other side of the leaflet features photos of the bloc's two candidates in the constituency, with a picture of the license for the construction of a mosque that Abdel Ghany took part in designing in Zeitoun.
The bloc — which consists of the Free Egyptians Party, the Egyptian Social Democratic Party and Tagammu Party — accuses Islamist parties of abusing religion, saying they too "serve religion, but in silence."
Liberal and secular parties in Egypt have accused Islamist parties of using religion to garner support in the current elections.
Salafi preacher Mahmoud Amer, from Damanhour, Beheira, issued a fatwa in October that stated that voting for a Muslim candidate who doesn't pray, or voting for a Copt or secularist, is prohibited.
Several Islamic scholars interviewed by Al-Masry Al-Youm dismissed Amer’s fatwa as a form of political opportunism, saying it is not sound.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
