He will be president. Egyptians will vote him in or he will just assume power in some random, quirky turn of events in the country that will make Egyptian politics similar to their Syrian counterparts. Unfortunately, for the most part, Egyptians simply don’t care about Gamal Mubarak, son of President Hosni Mubarak; they simply have other worries.

It is not of much concern to the majority of Egyptians whether religious leaders support, like or actively oppose the rise of Gamal to be Egypt’s next president. For more than half the country, the struggle to make ends meet and get better living and working conditions takes precedent. These are issues that push succession to a back seat. Workers are striking across the country as the government continues to forget about its citizens.

In the end, it doesn’t matter if an Egyptian likes or dislikes the young technocrat. Gamal will be president, if he wants. The man has moved from an obscure banker in London to the leader of Egyptian politics, heading the powerful National Democratic Party’s Political Committees. While opposition groups continue to shun the idea of son following father as president, they will have little say over the course of political succession when the ailing 81-year-old Mubarak retires or passes on.

The fact is, across Egypt, especially as local press reported rumors that the ruling NDP was hashing out succession plans and possibly dissolving Parliament, Gamal was at the top of any political discussion. In cafes, the younger Mubarak was discussed. In academic articles and commentaries, Gamal’s experience was analyzed. Some like the man, others vehemently oppose his rule. Coptic Pope Shenouda recently commented that he has a “very good personal relationship” with Gamal in what many observers say is his approval of the man to be president.

But, really, who cares? Since when did Egyptians actually choose their leader? Not in recent history. Not in ancient history. The government continues to ensure their power is not weakened. Gamal continues to say all the right things to foreign leaders. They like him, many Egyptians like him, many Egyptians hate him. In the end, it won’t matter. If he is to be president, he will be president, plain and simple.

One former general told me once that the only group holding sway over the political succession of the country is the military. This general argued that unless Gamal is properly elected to the top post, the military will not support him the way they supported his father because he is not part of the military establishment. Interesting, but that is easily rectified. Have an election, it worked just fine for Mubarak Sr. in 2005. He won with nearly 90 percent of the vote. So, Gamal could easily garner 75 percent and nobody would think twice.

There you go Mr. military. A new president, elected by the “people.” Good times. Whether you like Gamal or hate him, he will be president of Egypt. Welcome to the fun world of no politics of Egypt. It doesn’t matter.

BM

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