I believe that a genuine multi-candidate presidential election is one of the most ambitious achievements of the January 25 revolution. This unprecedented reality in Egypt's entire history got substantiated by a televised debate between the two heavyweight candidates Amr Moussa and Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh. These candidates have completely different ideological and political roots. Moussa, an ex-foreign minister, adopts liberal thoughts and commands a clever diplomatic language. On the other hand, Abul Fotouh belongs to the fundamentalist community. The debate got really interesting when both participants exposed apparent dark spots in the rival's past. Abul Fotouh accused Moussa of being connected to the disgraced Mubarak regime, its local and foreign policies and its oppressive rule. Moussa retaliated by asking his opponent to reveal his role in creating an Islamist movement and its militant wing responsible for killing President Sadat and dozens of innocent citizens in the 1980s. Polls conducted by newspapers and television channels showed that both contenders survived their mutual attacks. Regardless of who achieved what, this televised debate represents a watershed in the presidential — and general — elections in Egypt. Before the January 25 revolution, the nation was persuaded to witness a one-man show (known as referendum), a legitimised and constitutional solo performance traditionally led by the ruler. Although the televised debate between Moussa and Abul Fotouh was an interesting and constructive experience, it had its shortcomings. There doesn't seem to be another debate planned with further contenders in the presidential race. Selim el-Awwa, a heavyweight candidate, is desperate to take part in a televised debate with two rivals belonging to the Islamist camp, Mohamed Morsi and Abul Fotouh. But el-Awwa's appeal is being ignored. The fruit of the revolution could only ripen if the voters were introduced to a whole series of televised debates to make up their minds about their favourite candidate. [email protected]
