In just one
more sleep, Egyptians will be waking to the dawning of a new day. A new chapter
in the story of one of the world’s most ancient lands is about to be written.
The ink is ready. Election day is but hours away.
Tomorrow
the sun will shine stronger, brighter. Election day will have finally arrived.
And in the 48 hours that will follow, Egypt will make history once more.
For the
first time in the lives of many Egyptians, this election day will be one that
they actually trust to reflect their votes. Many elders will mark a ballot for
the first time, making a real choice, not questioning if it really matters.
Egypt’s youth, feeling a particular pride because of their specific role in
reaching this day, will mark their ballots purposefully and This time is
different. These times are so very different.
Lines will
form, thousands of lines formed by millions of citizens, each and every one
ready to place their vote, make their mark, play their part. Weaving, weaving,
weaving through the streets of the nation, stretching from Lower to Upper
Egypt, voter lines will come together in a remarkable re-weaving of the spirit
of the flag, their flag. Different people of different views, different
backgrounds, different ideologies, different visions of a new Egypt, as
different as red, black and white, all coming together.
Egypt’s
election is not simply a political process in a country. This event is a symbol
of the process of growth that has occurred since the start of the Arab Spring,
a worldwide symbol.
Since
25.01.2011, the world has been watching, with hope and prayer. From Tahrir
Square to today, the nation’s journey has been one with smooth patches, but
also with its times of stones blocking the way and slowing pace, as well as
stones being thrown. Looking back, thinking back, events deemed inevitable
still inspire awe at their having actually occurred. The courage that it took
for Egyptians to stand as one to change the course of their history, their
lives, must never, ever be forgotten. Similarly, the courage it continues to
take to sustain the journey of national rebuilding with patience, purpose and
participation.
Election
day is not only a day to look ahead with excitement, it is a day to pause, to
be still, to absorb the profound meaning of the here & now. So much will continue to change.
Unknowns remain. Choices will be made that many will agree with, many will not.
As shared by one of Egypt’s young professionals: “It is exciting nonetheless
as for the first time in Egypt’s 7000 year history Egyptians do not know who
will be their next leader.”
Insh’Allah,
the power of the people will be, and remain, peacefully and purposefully united
with the people in power.
With Spring
comes new life. The Arab Spring is no different.
Copyright: ANITA MENDIRATTA 2012
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