The Problem of Shafiq

Egyptians who fear the restoration of the old regime continue their protests:

"Hundreds of Egyptians continued to protest Monday in Cairo and other governorates against the verdict issued against ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his former Interior Minister Habib al-Adly.

"Demonstrators also demanded that the political isolation law be applied to runoff presidential candidate Ahmed Shafiq, Mubarak's former prime minister.

"Three marches joined protesters in Tahrir Square coming from the Shubra, Dar al-Qadaa al-Ali, and Agouza neighborhoods of Cairo.

"The Dar al-Qadaa al-Ali march was joined by members of Ultras Ahlawy who chanted, 'The people want purge the judiciary,' and 'No to feloul (remnants of the collapsed regime),' in reference to Ahmed Shafiq.

"The march from Shubra neighborhood was joined by imams from Al-Azhar, as well as members of April 6 Youth Movement.

"The Zamalek Ultras White Nights participated in the Agouza district march, demanding that Mubarak be retried."

The Shafiq candidacy needs to be handled with care.  There were allegations of fraud on his behalf that need to be carefully investigated by credible bodies.  If they prove inconsequential, however, then he can't simply be removed at this point.  Over one in five Egyptians voted for him, and they can't just be retroactively disenfranchised.  Banning Shafiq now simply because he was Mubarak's prime minister and a candidate of the old regime would show that the revolutionaries' commitment to democracy can waver if they don't like who wins.  The chance to make rules was before the voting.