In Alexandria, 1,000 eligible voters were registered, but only 100 participated in the elections. This represents 10% of those eligible to vote.

Reports from the provinces indicate that the fellahin (peasants) are indifferent to electing delegates. Often, the village headman or a notable sends a messenger to forcibly bring the voters to the polling stations. They then vote as instructed. Frequently, the voters complain that neither the ruler nor the government rewards them for their participation.

In rural towns, the number of voters is even lower than in villages. For example, in Mansoura, 5,000 people were registered, but only 2% voted. In Tanta, 1,870 were registered, but only 17% voted. These individuals were practically driven to the polls.

This is strange, especially considering that Tanta has a large representation in the General Assembly, where delegates are elected. Even if the city had only one delegate, the people would still be interested in electing him if they wished.

However, things change when the elections enter their second phase, and the delegates are to elect members of the Provincial Council, the General Assembly, or the Shura Council, as the case may be. Then, interest intensifies greatly, and candidates strive to win the votes of the electors.

The situation in the Egyptian general elections reflects the opinion of those who believe that this country is still far from reaching the stage where it can establish true parliamentary institutions. The formation of such a government might be a facade, and the majority of the nation might not truly understand it. The result would be falling into the hands of politicians whose sole concern is their own interests, making it easy for them to manipulate the system to suit their agendas. I have no doubt that most men of the upper and middle classes, those who have interests and stakes in the country, do not desire the expansion of self-rule at this time. They feel that the country is not sufficiently prepared for it. As for the fellahin, who constitute the majority of the nation, they do not grasp the intended purpose of this self-rule.

The people of this country must attain a considerable degree of moral and intellectual maturity before parliamentary rule can be established in the sense understood in Western countries. Otherwise, the outcome will be disastrous rather than beneficial, and the result will be a delay in the current policy of administrative reform.