CAIRO - The silent majority that abstained from voting in previous elections are now expected to brush aside their passive attitude. Casting one's ballot in parliamentary and presidential elections is a paramount national duty at the present juncture of Egypt's history. Although the amendment to the Political Rights Law has raised the fine five-fold on eligible members of the electorate who do not vote to become LE500, the article is believed to remain mere ink on paper. Voters should step forward out of their own will, fine or no fine; but more importantly they are required to exert efforts to obtain adequate information on the candidates they will chose to represent them in parliament. It is noticeable that the audio-visual mass media are upping campaigns enhancing potential voters' ability to actively contribute to the country's political course and its future at large. In pre-revolution elections, the turnout did not exceed around 20 per cent at the best estimates despite official reports claiming a higher rate. The turnout in the March referendum on constitutional amendments was 41 per cent, so there is hope that the rate in the elections will be higher, despite concern over likely violence that would scare off a sector of potential voters. If we are really seeking a substantial turnout, although it might not match Tunisia's 90 per cent for several reasons related to the differing respective social and cultural contexts, tight security measures will have to be taken. If the police really wish to make amends for months of alienation through the security breakdown in the wake of the revolution, then they should seize the electoral opportunity to prove their competence and regain people's confidence. A relatively high turnout would be a step towards realising one of the revolution's aims.
