Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood Returning Egypt to an Age without Law

The controversial mock presidential elections held by the youth of the Muslim Brotherhood in order to form an Islamic government that works as a model of administrating the state under a civil Islamic government. The elections became controversial when the idea was raise to nominate a woman for the presidency. Moreover, the administration of the "Muslim Brotherhood's Youth Forum," which was responsible for running the elections, refused the request of the forum's Muslim Sisters’ group to be nominated to the presidency. The website's administration declared its insistence to adhering to Islamic law, which states that women are not allowed to be nominated as presidents of a state.

ECWR completely opposes the group's stance towards women's nomination as presidents of state. It believes that the group's stance is a threat to the ideals of the country‘s laws and to the concept of citizenship. Moreover, it returns Egypt to an era before the law existed, for it contradicts article 40 of the Constitution that states, "All citizens are equal before the law. They have equal public rights and duties without discrimination between them due to race, ethnic origin, language, religion or creed". Moreover, this action also opposes the first article of the Constitution that assures the concept of citizenship and the second article that considers Islamic law as the main source of legislation. This stance of the Muslim Brotherhoods does not express Islamic virtues, for Islam honors women and makes them the main base is equality between men and women in bearing responsibilities and punishments. Yet, depriving her of participating in the society is not acceptable, for the main criterion is the ability to bear responsibilities, regardless of their gender or religion. In addition, there are many Muslim countries governed by women. And this justification is not accepted as there are many Egyptian women that effectively participate in all spheres of life and in all positions that require extraordinary intellectual and physical efforts.

ECWR believes that there is no reason to prevent the application of citizenship standards, or any justifications for any discrimination among Egyptians on the basis of gender, religion, race, color or background.

ECWR also praises the act of the forum's girls whom had been refused to participate in the elections, as "they confirmed that there is no Islamic law that prevents women candidacy, and that the general power cannot be applied in an institutional state like Egypt”. They presented a high level of discussion that referred to their deep thoughts and vision that confirms their right to politically participate with people who encourage political life in Egypt and not just use religion for other purposes.