Poll shows most AUCians favor Aboul Fotouh

A Caravan survey has revealed that almost 84 percent of AUC students intend to vote in the upcoming presidential elections. At least 31 percent said they would vote for Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh, followed by former Arab League chief Amr Moussa with 25 percent.

Thirteen candidates are running for Egypt’s presidency, which is an unprecedented phenomenon in the country’s history. Elections will take place on May 23 and 24.

Former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik received over nine percent of the votes, followed by Hamdeen Sabahi with over seven percent.

Khaled Ali received three percent, Mohamed Morsi just over one percent, while the rest of the candidates didn’t even make it to one percent. Almost five percent say they are still undecided.

Mai El Demerdash, a journalism junior, thinks Aboul Fotouh is the most appropriate candidate after political leader Mohamed ElBaradei withdrew from the elections.

El Demerdash believes that Aboul Fotouh sets an example of a moderate combination between religion and politics. “I don’t think that being devout or being separated from the Muslim Brotherhood should be a drawback for Aboul Fotouh,” she said.

On the other hand, many students have fears about Aboul Fotouh, or any other “Islamic” candidate; they would rather Egypt become a liberal country. One of the surveyed students wondered, “Should I vote for the Muslim Brotherhood or the Salafis? There’s no option but the ex-regime people [Moussa and Shafik].”

Hazem Fouad, a physics sophomore, said that he would vote for Moussa, who he sees as the only candidate with considerable political clout to develop Egypt and move it forward.

“Moussa can get aid and money to rebuild Egypt.”

Other students voted for different candidates.

Hana Afifi, architecture major, believes that Hamdeen Sabahi is the most eligible candidate. She argued that Sabahi has what it takes to become the next president given his long struggle for freedom, dignity and social justice. “Sabahi wants to restore the dignity and strength of Egypt. We need someone who loves this country as this man does,” Afifi said.

Madonna Michel, a marketing and psychology major, will be voting for Khaled Ali.

“Khaled Ali has a concrete plan based on studies and research. Also, within his plan he does not present temporary solutions but solutions of real reforms,” Michel said.

The survey, which polled more than 2000 students two weeks before the election, showed that 17 percent don’t intend to vote.

Of those not voting, seven percent are boycotting the elections because they don’t believe it will be free and fair, almost six percent are not eligible to vote and over three percent don’t even care about the elections.

The Caravan poll, conducted over a three-day period starting May 6, revealed an increase in political engagement on campus.

Last year, 72 percent of AUC students polled by The Caravan said they intended to vote in Egypt’s then upcoming parliamentary elections in November. Some 73 percent, said they would vote in presidential elections.

In the year since, Egypt’s political landscape has changed considerably, particularly with the exit of once presidential hopeful Mohamed ElBaradei.

The same poll last year showed ElBaradei as the leading choice among students with more than 50 percent saying they would vote for him.

Moussa won over 13 percent of the AUC vote in last year.

The Caravan also polled 440 staff and custodial workers, 17 percent of whom said they would vote for Aboul Fotouh. Nearly 13 percent said Moussa was their choice for president, while another 11 percent chose Sabahi.

Shafik and Al-Awa followed close behind with 10 and 9 percent, respectively.

Ali won 8.5 percent of the poll with Morsi close behind at seven percent.

Some 6.6 percent said Bastawissi was their choice of candidate.

Some 11.6 said they had not made up their minds while another 9.3 percent said they would not vote.

On May 9, reports emerged that Shafik had once again been disqualified by the presidential election commission from running in the presidential race. In a press conference a few hours later, he dismissed such reports and confirmed he was still in the running.

At press time, the Presidential Electoral Commission (PEC) said it would likely overturn a lower administrative court’s ruling to suspend the elections.