Political forces are divided over a million-strong march, dubbed “Last Chance Friday,” that parties and movements have called for on Friday to bring those involved in the Tahrir Square violence to trial and pressure the ruling military council to hand over power to an elected authority.
The 25 January Revolution Youth Coalition, Free Front for Peaceful Change and Progressive Youth Union have all announced their participation in the march, while the Tagammu, Wafd and Democratic Front parties expressed reservations about the military council swiftly relinquishing power, fearing that such a move could create a political vacuum.
Islamists are also divided over the march. Salafi and Sufi parties announced their participation, but the Muslim Brotherhood and the Jama’a al-Islamiya said they will not take part in any demonstrations until after parliamentary elections. The latter two called on political forces to do the same so as to not impede the elections.
Wahid Abdel Meguid, general coordinator of the Democratic Alliance electoral list, said most of the parties in his coalition are inclined not to participate in the march.
Groups of farmers on the outskirts of Cairo have told Al-Masry Al-Youm that they intend to join the march, but that they reportedly received visits from “religiously inclined campaigners” urging them to protest against Tahrir demonstrators since they are undemocratic thugs.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
