On January 25, 2011, Egyptian protesters succeeded in ending President Mubarak's 30-year rule after which, the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) assumed temporary leadership. In celebration, the SCAF has declared January 25 a national holiday however, for many, the euphoria of the revolution's victory has been tempered by the realities of transitional governance. Since Mubarak’s fall, SCAF declared a state of emergency and conducted a violent clampdown on street demonstrations and political dissent. Citizens share their perspective on why Egyptians will protest on the revolution's anniversary in the video below.
Despite relative political gains, poverty remains a source of public frustration. As food prices soar and jobs become scarce for migrant labourers, one fifth of Egypt’s 81 million population struggles to survive on $2 a day. The map below labels the scope of poverty in various parts of Egypt.
- An electoral transition towards a democratic civilian rule is underway, marked by the Egyptian Parliament's first post-Mubarak session. The infographic below illustrates Egypt's electoral timeline, concluding in June with presidential elections.
Islamist parties won the majority parliamentary vote with the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) and Salafi al-Nour Party receiving, respectively, 47.18% and 24% of parliamentary seats. Mohammed Saad al-Katatni, a member of the FJP was also elected parliamentary speaker.
- Meanwhile, protests outside the Parliament building called for the accountability of those responsible for the revolution's martyrs.
Arguments breaking out between Brotherhood members and revolutionary youth outside 1st session of parliament http://pic.twitter.com/gxUTv5XD- Amongst criticisms of the SCAF is its use of “Emergency Laws”, allowing it to try civilians in military courts. Under Mubarak's regime, there were 1,959 such cases while under SCAF rule, there have been 11, 879 cases, six times as many, with a conviction rate of 93%.
- A few Parliament members engaged protesters and donned "No to Military Trials" sashes in crowd solidarity.
Despite government warnings of civil unrest on the revolution's anniversary, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, has partially lifted emergency laws "with the exception of acts of thuggery." Online community voices have expressed skepticism regarding Tantawi's latest announcement.
- Prior to former President Mubarak stepping down last January, Tahrir Square protesters chanted, "The army. The people. One hand." A year later, youth groups have become the most vocal critics of the military council. Various youth collectives, including the April 6 movement, allege that the state media has conducted smear campaigns by depicting youth protesters as foreign agents, thus hindering their credibility.
- In the video below, “The Egyptians Are Returning–01/25/2012,” an Egyptian crowd reacts to footage of military attacks on protesters this past year. Youth activists organizing anti-military rule protests have used these videos to garner support and raise awareness.
- There have been mixed reactions to the anniversary: some look forward to a peaceful celebration while others plan to protest what they consider to be a premature celebration especially without a transition to civilian rule. Tweet reactions below convey diverging perspectives on the anniversary.
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The Stream is a web community and daily television show powered by social media and citizen journalism. Now on Al Jazeera English. See our full shows at http://stream.aljazeera.com
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