EGYPT'S FIRST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTER LAST YEAR'S "ARAB SPRING" REVOLT............

Egyptians are voting today and tomorrow, to begin the electoral process of choosing a new President, more than a year after the "Arab Spring" demonstrations revolt, led to the downfall of thirty year President Hosni Mubarak.  As CNN reports thirteen candidates are on the ballot in the first round this week, and should no one amass more than fifty percent of the vote, which is highly unlikely, the top two finishers will face off in a run-off election next month.  The five major candidates are Islanists, dominated by the notorious Muslim Brotherhood; and Secularists, in the mold of Mubarak.  This presidential contest is the opening gambit in the a historic, landmark, election in Egypt where the outcome will be more than just a foregone conclusion.  IT will fall to the popularly elected new President to oversee and bring about creation of a National Constitution.  What role the Egyptian Military who have governed since Mubarak's ouster will play in a newly constituted, democratic, government, and who will preside over Egypt will significantly impact the country's role in the Middle East and World Affairs.  Initial indications today show large lines of voters are turning out to participate in the election............Fr.  Troy