CAIRO: The huge banners on Midan Tahrir proclaimed this the ‘Friday of the one demand' – the transfer of power to civilians. Numerous posters called for election of a civilian president by the end of April 2012. Most demonstrators who spoke to Bikyamasr.com were clear about their first priority – Deputy Prime Minister Ali Selmy's document on constitutional principles, with its constraints on the drafting of a new constitution and proposals to protect the army's position, had to be withdrawn. But within this broad consensus, the square once again brought together very different political movements. On the platform in front of the Mogamma, a succession of Salafi activists gave speeches, read poems and sang Islamic songs until late evening before a dense crowd of supporters. Several led chants of “The people want God's sharia,” which were taken up enthusiastically by those present. Nearby, beside a tent established by the Salafi Asala party, a large group of 6 April Youth Movement activists held up their black flags with the sign of a clenched fist. The leftist and revolutionary groups preferred a more mobile approach to the demonstration – every now and then, a column would set off around the square or further afield chanting and waving flags and banners. Many demonstrators were not supporters of any particular party. Camped on the roundabout, a group who had come from Suez for the protest sang songs and waved the flag of their governorate. “We're socialists, liberals, all different political persuasions,” one of them explained. “I feel sorry for the mothers of the martyrs,” another demonstrator said. He told Bikyamasr.com that he was coming to regret that the revolution had been peaceful. “I envy the Libyans. They have their freedom, and we have the military council.” But he felt that the demonstration was a success and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces would have to respond. “They don't have any other choice, or they'll push us to total civil disobedience.” For his own part, he said, he was ready “to sit here for as long as it takes them to do that.” Sitting nearby, a man wearing a robe and long beard also disclaimed membership of any organization. “Selmi's document is no good', he said. ‘It's not to the benefit of the Egyptian people. We don't want any guardianship over the people. The people are the main source of legislation.” He had other concerns as well: “We want security, safety and stability. And an end to the attacks on Islam in the media.” The media was also a concern for Hatim Abdel Hamid Al-Qadi, who said he was an organizer of the Committee to Unite the Islamic Tendency. “There's a battle in Egypt between the Islamic forces and other forces … Some of the other forces hate the Islamic forces. They think we have closed minds. The media is painting a false picture of Islam.” But he too was confident that the demonstration would be successful: “The army doesn't think like Hosni Mubarak. It recognizes the force of the people, so it won't refuse their demand. The army won't shoot the people again … Maybe they want to reduce and calm the anger of the people. Then they must finally let the people lead the country.” BM
