With each election season in Egypt, talk gravitates toward the role played by families and tribes in the political process. This was the case for the period that preceded the revolution of Jan. 25, 2011, as well as in subsequent years. Various families and tribes would organize to win parliamentary seats for one of their own, particularly in Upper Egypt and the governorates of Sinai and Matrouh. This phenomenon appears to have changed after the 2011 revolution and the emergence of Islamist movements. It was only natural that the polarization and divisions that befell Egypt at that time would be reflected among tribes and families in a manner mirroring society as a whole. Recent activities by tribes indicate that they are preparing to contest parliamentary elections, due to be held March 22-23, in an organized and united fashion, mainly through so-called electoral colleges. Through these institutions, composed of prominent families, the family members vote for their preferred candidates. Whether they will remains a matter of speculation.
Egypt's tribes and families were traditionally subordinate to the ruling regimes, regardless of the latters’ orientation, for the sake of achieving mutual interests, primarily maintaining security, in exchange for influence. Parliamentary elections have therefore represented an opportunity for tribes to demonstrate their influence and superiority.
