Egyptian villagers in the dark about constitutional amendments
CAIRO: “I know that there is something going on but I don’t know what it really is, said Kamel Enawi, a worker from Menia who arrived in Cairo six months ago to look for a job. “I have left behind my own home town and all I care to know is if these new changes will secure a job for every citizen, said Enawi.
The new constitutional amendments don’t seem to interest the simple people who hail from Egyptian villages. This could be partly attributed to illiteracy, lack of interest, or the little publicity the amendments are getting among village folk.
Bahia, an onion vendor who was walking trying to mind her own business said: “What? Amendments? Does this have to do with selling onions? I really don’t know anything about this, said Bahia.
But Diyab Abdou, a doorman from Menufiya, seemed to have been better informed. “Of course I’ve heard about such amendments, but, unfortunately, I’ve been told some of these are negative changes that are not in the interest of the general public, said Diyab.
“I’ve been told that anyone could be arrested at any time and tried without any obvious reason. I’ll only start expressing my opinion once they officially publish the amendments in detail in the newspapers, he added.
Hassan Mahmoud, a waiter at a Shawerma shop, bet that none of the simple people around here could tell you what these amendments are all about. “They have decided to make the changes and they will enforce them whether people approve it or not.
Um Atwa, a domestic worker from Fayoum, protested: “Don’t ask me about anything, for even if you read anything to me I won’t understand it. We only want to earn a living.
Salama, a gateman from Beni Suef said: “Yes, I heard they have been published in today’s newspapers but I need someone to read to me and explain. This is the only way I can participate.
Added Salama: “I think that in order to encourage all people to participate they should have a special channel for the illiterate and other simple people. That could come in the form of committees that should take the responsibility of teaching people how to have their own say in such matters.
