One sphere belongs to a small group of elite administrators and politicians who deal with big-picture issues and make important long-term decisions. They deal with foreign affairs and national politics, grappling with meaningful issues like the relationship between state and religion. This top echelon is made up of a miniscule group of no more than several tens of thousands of people.

The second political sphere is made up of millions of Egyptians who, while they do not work in politics, are consumed by their interest in it. For some of these individuals, their political interest is directed by their desire to have a wider road built or water quality improved in their village. Others enter this sphere to find jobs for their children or get better health benefits to deal with a serious illness. Politics, for those in this sphere, is defined by more limited, albeit important, interests, and they interpret elections accordingly.

During election season, political leaders become active. They begin by operating in the first, elite domain, raising their voices to criticize general conditions and policies. These actors believe that criticizing the status quo will generate enthusiasm and garner support of those who make up the second, broader political sphere. These politicos believe that if they become angrier more members of the lower sphere will agree with them, guarantying millions of votes come Election Day.

But for the millions in the second group election season means something else altogether: it's a once-in-every-five-years golden opportunity to receive services and have urgent needs met. For them, immediate needs will no longer be postponed due to policy inertness. The people in this second group do not distinguish between candidates by ideology or long-term goals, but rather by the candidates' ability to directly achieve results for them. Accordingly, candidates of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), who are naturally closer to the state apparatus and resources, have a great unparalleled advantage. Therefore, candidates vie for an NDP nomination – proof of their proximity to the state and its resources.

An activist could conceivably close the gap between the two spheres if he is able to furnish services and have long-term political vision. But such individuals are few and far between in opposition ranks. I believe more of them exist within the NDP. This is an old truth but one we need to be reminded of today, amidst the current electoral controversies.