The big winners of Saturday's constitutional referendum in Egypt appear to be the two groups that have the most to gain by a hurried electoral process: The National Democratic Party and The Muslim Brotherhood.
Because 77 percent of Egyptian voters approved the constitutional amendments, parliamentary elections may be held as early as June, but no later than September. A fast track would benefit the NDP and the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party because other parties would have little time to organize and garner awareness and support among the electorate.
Some Egyptians are already speculating that deposed President Mubarak's NDP worked a deal with the Muslim Brotherhood, using the MB's influence to help achieve a positive vote for the referendum which paves the way for speedy elections. Both groups would likely dominate, and as a result, the NDP would continue to wield significant power and privilege while the MB would gain the influence it has long desired.
But several Egyptian analysts say a perceived alliance between the NDP and Muslim Brotherhood may backfire on the Brotherhood and reduce its popularity.
Emad Gad of the Al Ahram Political Center told reporters that he believes political parties are capable of organizing themselves and preventing the Brotherhood’s dominance from materializing even if elections for parliament are held as early as June.
The clock is ticking.
Watch this inspiring You Tube video made by an Egyptian who captured the excitement of Saturday's historic vote: