Tahrir calms down after another round of violence

Amid continuous clashes between protesters and security forces in Sheikh Rihan Street last night, which resulted in 32 injuries, the Coalition of the Youth of the Revolution posted a poll on Facebook concerning holding the presidential elections on January 25, 2012, the first anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, to announce the elections’ results February 2, and have the elected president swear-in February 11. Health Minister Assistant for Medical Treatment, Dr. Adel Adawi, stated that paramedics who work for the government were attacked Monday at dawn, by unknown groups, as the clashes started yet again between armed forces and protesters in Kasr el-Aini Street, which resulted in them leaving the site. Adawi noted that paramedics were contacted and urged to show restraint by not leaving the place and pursuing their noble and patriotic role. From his part, the head of the Egyptian Ambulance Organization Dr. Mohamed Sultan stated that ambulance returned to their locations and are centered once again at Simon Bolivar Square to resume their work. He noted that he visited the field hospital and offered assistance in transferring the wounded and explained that he is there for their help. Four wounded protesters were transferred to hospitals later. Clashes sparked again on Monday evening in Sheikh Rihan, lasting for several hours, between military and security forces on one side, and protesters on the other, following a state of relative calm. Meanwhile, protesters ran discussions in Tahrir square concerning whether a sit-in is necessary, or should they wait for a larger crowd. A march of dozens of protesters arrived at Tahrir from the Supreme Court, passing by Talaat Harb Street, denouncing the violence of Cabinet clashes, and repeating chants against SCAF, including “Down with Military Rule”, and “People Want the Fall of the Field Marshal”. Meanwhile, dozens of other protesters attempted to take down the separation wall in Sheikh Rihan Street, throwing rocks and fireballs at army and security forces behind the wall. Division over Expediting of Presidential Elections In a relevant context, the Coalition of Youth of the Revolution posted a poll on Facebook on whether the Presidential elections should take place on January 25. Facebook users split over the idea, some of them calling others for million-man protests demanding the handover of power to the next head of parliament, an idea mostly promoted by the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party. The Youth Coalition’s idea was based on the need to end current conflict prevailing in the streets of Egypt, where the poll question clearly stated “Instead of exchanging accusations of betrayal and mistrust, let’s stick to what matters… do you agree to hold the presidential elections on January 25, have the results announced February 2, memory of the camel battle, and have a new president swear-in February 11?” After 18 hours of posting the poll, 1422 users agreed to the proposal, whereas the page received 2524 comments on the poll, some pro the idea, others  against it. Many users supported the idea, slamming the performance of the SCAF, while others justified their refusal explaining that the constitution is not yet finished, pointing out that electing a new president without a constitution would be crowning a new Pharaoh to rule Egypt, as they put it. Others suggested to handover the power to the head of the forthcoming parliament.