As Egypt witness its maiden post-revolution parliamentary elections following the ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak last February, big-name footballers didn't mind unveiling their political affiliations. With the voting system getting underway in a much healthier environment for Egyptians to select their People's Assembly members, the majority of Ahli and Zamalek stars tend to vote for Islamic parties. The Islamic current, which basically suffered from suppression under the former Mubarak-led autocratic regime, is now embodied in two major parties - the Muslim Brotherhood and the Nour Salafist party. The likes of Mohamed Abou-Treika and Ahmed Hassan – two cult figures renowned for their commitment to Islamic teachings – seem to be backing the religious trend. System of life Abou-Treika - an inspirational figure respected by almost every football fan in Egypt - was straight forward about his political beliefs. “I will be direct with my answer. I prefer the Islamic current, whether the Muslim Brotherhood or the Salafists,” Abou-Treika said. “Islam is a system of life. As a citizen you want freedom and justice, and you'll find that with Islam. “The main problem is that people do not trust those who are willing to implement the system. So when you review Islam as a system, do not judge it through the behavior of individuals. “Islam wants you to be a respectful, valuable and positive person, that's why I wish it would be implemented in the right manner.” Favoring public interest
Hassan and Mido disagree On the other side of the city, another prominent figure seems to be sharing the same view, with Egypt skipper Hassan admitting he prefers Islamists but will only vote for those who would' favor the public's interests over their own'. “I don't belong to a specific political party but I'll participate in the elections to select the right type of candidates capable of guiding the country in the forthcoming period,” Hassan said. “I'll vote for whom I see capable of favoring public interest over his own interests; I'm inclined towards those tending to enforce Islamic jurisprudence no matter what party they are members in.” Ready for democracy Ahli and Egypt veteran Wael Gomaa also revealed his intent to elect Islamists as he was left delighted with the ‘civilized' demeanor of his fellow Egyptians taking part in the election polls, despite concerns over the deteriorating security. “I'll go for an Islamic party but I won't reveal who exactly,” the Mahalla-born Gomaa said. “I think we proved how civilized we are after we made the elections appear in an ideal fashion; I'm really proud of all who took part in the process because there were no acts of thuggery despite the ongoing security vacuum. “I believe the Egyptian society is ready for democracy after people showed their ability to deal with different political issues related to Egypt's current status.” In addition to the previous list, Sherif Abdul-Fadil, Mohamed Fadl and Geddo echoed the same sentiments as they all announced their endorsement for Islamic parties. Zamalek striker Ahmed Gaafar also followed in the big names' footsteps but this time he unveiled the identity of his selection as he is to cast his ballot for the Muslim Brotherhood's ‘Freedom and Justice Party', citing their ability to ‘realize the people's aspirations' as a reason behind his choice. “I don't know much of the election programs proposed by candidates, yet I'll vote for the ‘Freedom and Justice Party',” the 26-year-old said.
Abdul-Wahed busy with Zamalek “In my opinion they can play an important role in the change currently going on; they are able to realize the people's aspirations.” Mido says no to Islamists, Abdul-Wahed busy An opinion to break the rule came from Zamalek's Mido; the striker who used to ply his trade overseas for around ten years. “I think using religion for political promotion is not right, I won't vote for a political party basing its electoral campaign on religious grounds,” the 28-year-old forward said. “I reject the notion of mixing politics with any other subject even if it's sports. “I also believe that every Egyptian citizen now feels that his vote is of value as it contributes in shaping the future of the country.” At the time when all of his teammates were keen to take part in the polls, Zamalek keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed could not participate. “My constituency is in South Sinai so it was difficult for me to vote due to my commitment to Zamalek,” the veteran keeper said. “I don't even know any of the candidates nominated there. “Everyone knows that I'm a Wafd Party member and I contemplate running for the parliament when I retire.”
