It was a unique experience. Though I used to vote and participate in previous elections, whether general, presidential, or referendums, 19-March referendum has had a special taste. Like millions of Egyptians who flocked to the polling stations to vote in the 19-March referendum, I spent around 4 hours in so long lines in order to say “Yes” or “No” on proposed constitutional amendments that will shape Egypt's immediate political future.
For me, and for the majority of Egyptians, March 19th is the real birth of democracy in Egypt; it was the first democratic experience in decades.
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Egyptians have really changed. On the referendum day, I witnessed manifestations of change in people’s behaviors, characters, morals, and talks. People in Egypt have socially, politically, and morally changed to the better. Let me just narrate what I myself witnessed on 19-March referendum day to prove how far Egyptians have changed:
- In spite of the total absence of policemen in the polling station that I voted in, no fight, no quarrels, no rigging, and no violence is claimed. All people peacefully, and rather friendly, cooperated to maintain success of the day.
- During the long hours waiting in the lines, people showed unique solidarity, love, respect, brotherhood, and sisterhood. Some people distributed foods and drinks, not to influence people’s opinions but to help them remain steadfast in the lines. Exceptions were made to the elderly, women, and people with special needs; no one objected to this humanitarian and social concessions.
- All people proved to be politically mature and knew what to vote for. No one could influence others’ opinions. Egyptians’ vote will no longer be purchased or pushed in a given direction.
- People from different ages participated. I witnessed the aged, the young, and even children in the polling station. Children under the age of 18, who are not eligible for voting, came to provide help and assistance in running the voting process. Unlike previous elections, women were present in large numbers.
- Mutual respect among Egyptian Muslims and Copts are well-established. I saw Muslims, from different ages, engage in friendly, brotherly and sisterly talks with Copts. Moreover, Muslims waiting in the long lines allowed priests not to stand in the lines and go directly to the polling boxes.
- People with special needs and ill persons showed up at the polling stations. I saw many people, who are ill or have some health problems, insist on voting. Of course, this is for nothing except their love for Egypt and trust on the democratic process of the elections.
- People from different societal classes were present. I witnessed elites, professionals, laymen, etc., were interested in voting and taking part in shaping Egypt’s future.
I wholeheartedly believe that Egyptians have changed to the better and so Allah changed their affairs. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Surely, Allah does not change the condition of people until they themselves change their affairs” (Qur’an, suratAr-Ra`d, verse no. 11).
On March 19th, a new Egypt is really born and welcomed. It is our role to keep this spirit alive and continue the process of change in order to secure Egypt’s prosperity and wellbeing.
