The number of Copts standing in the upcoming elections has been lauded by intellectuals, reports Reem Leila Although some Coptic voices demanded a quota of seats alongside those accorded to women, there are a great number of Coptic candidates standing in the upcoming elections. Several political parties are fielding a significantly higher number of Copts than in the past. According to an NDP official who spoke to Al-Ahram Weekly on condition of anonymity, "it is a natural reaction to the ruling party's stress on the importance of the Coptic political contribution. The party wants to prove that there is no discrimination against Copts." Many Copts attribute the change to Pope Shenouda III, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Shenouda has said on many occasions that it is both a right and duty for Copts to play a more active role in the country's domestic politics, particularly in the parliamentary elections. "I have encouraged Copts to actively participate in the upcoming elections whether as nominees or voters. It is their duty towards the welfare of our dear Egypt to do so," he said. Coptic analysts insist that despite the religious affiliations of candidates they should, first and foremost, contest the elections as Egyptians. "When candidates address their constituents they should not confine themselves to Coptic concerns. They must not assume that since they are Copts all Copts will vote for them," says Ishaq. The church, says Ishaq, is a religious entity, not a political one. "Interference of the church in the elections will harm it, the image of Copts and Egypt's welfare. The state must regain its control and power over everyone, including the church, if Egypt is not to suffer from sectarian tension for decades," he says. It will be an achievement if any Copts are elected to the assembly, says Naglaa Edward, the NDP's candidate in Bandar Al-Minya constituency, who points out that the five Coptic members of the outgoing parliament were all appointed by President Hosni Mubarak. Edward believes that "this year's parliamentary elections are more important than any other because they precede the presidential elections taking place in September 2011. It is a turning point and at times like these it is important for Copts to be active participants." It is time to "break the taboo of Copts not participating in politics. Why should we refrain from politics and then complain we are not properly represented?" Coptic writer Gamal Asaad says the church is interfering in the elections. "There is unhidden coordination between the church and different political parties, including the NDP, to include Coptic candidates on their electoral lists," Asaad stated. The church, according to Asaad, is imposing its power and control over Coptic candidates. "The church was behind the nomination of Rami Lakah, running for the Wafd Party, in Shubra instead of Azbakeya where there is another Coptic candidate running for elections. The church wants them both to win and assured Lakah he had a greater opportunity in Shubra," claims Asaad. Both Asaad and Ishaq oppose any quota of Coptic seats. "Copts are Egyptians and should be treated as such without referring to their religious affiliation. Copts are not a percentage of Egypt's population, they are Egyptian citizens exactly as the Muslims," Asaad said. Optimism prevails, according to Bishop of Shubra Al-Kheima. What really matters is that Copts exercise the rights and duties of citizenship.
