Political Islam in Post-Revolutionary Egypt: Discussions and Debates

In Egypt’s post-revolutionary political scene, Islamist forces have predominated. However, one must appreciate the distinction between the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis.

by Nancy Elshami

In Egypt’s post-revolutionary political scene, Islamist forces have predominated. These groups can roughly be split into two main factions: the Muslim Brotherhood, with its Freedom and Justice Party; and the Salafi factions with the Nour Party at the helm In the country’s recent parliamentary elections, Egypt’s Islamist parties ran under two main alliances or blocs, the Democratic Alliance (including the Freedom and Justice Party and eight others), and the Islamic Bloc (including the Nour Party and two other Salafi groups). Together, the two alliances won nearly 75% of Egypt’s parliamentary seats. With its long history of organizing before the revolution, the Muslim Brotherhood’s success in winning about 45% of the votes was unsurprising. By contrast, many reacted with disbelief and apprehension to the success of the Salafi Parties, which won over 25% of the vote.