Rose al-Yūsuf interviewed ‘Abd al-Rahīm al-Ghūl and Fathī Qandīl, two competing parliamentary candidates in Naj‘ Hammādī. When asked about the possibility of Copts voting against him because of rumors of his ties with the Naj‘ Hammādī massacre, al-Ghūl responded that the rumors have been falsified and that he is on great terms with Copts and with Bishop Kyrillos. He also said that he is positive that Copts will vote for him. He said that Qandīl beat him last time due to errors in counting votes. Qandīl said that tensions caused by the Naj‘ Hammādī massacre remain present and that al-Ghūl remains hated amongst Copts. He says that he is guaranteed the Coptic vote because he is known not to treat them as a separate sect.

Key Words: Naj‘ Hammādī - ‘Abd al-Rahīm al-Ghūl - Fathī Qandīl