The number of causalities in the deadly clashes between Egyptian police and anti-government protestors reportedly reached more than 40 on Thursday. 

Initially the unrest was sparked days ago when thousands of anti-government protestors gathered in demonstrations demanding that Egypt’s military immediately transfer power to a civilian government.

Following the escalating violence, Egypt’s Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi made an address stating the process of a presidential election would be expedited to occur earlier than expected.  

But tens of thousands of protestors in Tahrir Square are asking Tantawi to resign immediately in order for an interim civil council to temporarily take over until elections for a new parliament and president take place.  

Speaking to The Arab American News from Egypt, Beni-Suef University Assistant Lecturer of Physiology, Ayman Moawad Mahmoud said he supports the military’s decision to hand over power to a civilian government because that’s what Egyptians want. “We trust a government that includes all the political directions, because we want a real democracy,” he said. 

The violence came a week before the much anticipated first parliamentary elections were expected to be held following the ousting of Egypt’s former leader Hosni Mubarak. 

The military gained control of the government after Mubarak’s fall from power in February, and since have promised a transition to democracy. Egypt’s military is accused of not acting fast enough to implement a democratic government. 

“It’s vital that a civilian government takes over in Egypt, but the army won’t give up power so easily. That’s why the people should be skeptical of Tantawi’s promise and keep organizing and mobilizing until their demands are actually met. Promises are not enough because they can be easily broken by people in power. Protesters were asking for their demands to be met instantly,” said Wayne State University student Ali Harb.  

Local Egyptian American Civil Rights Attorney, Shereef Akeel has family in the country and understands the growing frustration felt by anti-government protesters. 

Akeel said the demonstrations stem from adequate assurance that a transformation to democracy is not moving fast enough.  Akeel adds that the student demonstrators are keeping the military honest and acting as a checks and balance system.  Egypt’s military has delayed the transfer of power to a civilian government occasionally. 

“Now the army is trying to hijack the people’s revolution, so the youths of Tahrir Square are back demonstrating to protect their achievements and sacrifices,” Harb said. 

Opposition forces who fought to oust Mubarak’s regime want to assure their demands are eventually met.  Akeel is optimistic about Egypt’s future and says there’s been a renewed sense of optimism about economic growth and generating new businesses in the country which emerged after the ousting of Mubarak. 

“There is lots of pride in Egyptians they will do what’s best in the long term for the country,” Akeel said. 

Mahmoud said Egypt is better without Mubarak. “I am very optimistic about the future of Egypt, because Egypt is not an ordinary country. Egypt is the mother of civilization…As Egyptian people we all trust our abilities to save our country by eradicating the remnants of Mubarak’s system.

Amid the recent tension Tantawi regarded the military as a patriot of the country. Harb said while Tantawi was giving his speech about transferring power to a civilian government security forces were beating up the protesters, attempting the clear the Tahrir Square. 

“Field Marshal Hussein Tentawi might think he and his institution are a symbol for patriotism, but he hasn’t showed it, yet,” Harb said.