The standoff in Egypt 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The presidential vote in Egypt has split the society. The top two candidates reflect the extremes and go on to point out that the uprising hasn't come a full circle.

What is more important is the fact that the presidential race is getting dull, as there are none of the top guns in the run, apparently owing to the disqualification spree that netted all the prime faces in the contest.

Similarly, the most prominent name of Egypt's diplomatic circle, Amr Mousa - the Arab League former secretary-general, trails at number five in the duel. The closing in on Ahmed Shafiq, former prime minister of Hosni Mubarak, and Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi, is more than enough to polarise the electorate on the eve of run-off next month.

The duel, however, brought to fore an interesting observation. The very fact that a remnant of yester regime, Ahmed Shafiq, leads with 25.3 per cent of votes is startling.

This negates the assumption that the entire political mosaic of Egypt has written off Mubarak or his allies, including the powerful military junta that reins supreme to this day.

Similarly, Morsi being second in run has just furthered the impression that the Islamists, though on a united campaign, haven't properly choreographed their presidential move. This has prompted the Brotherhood to solicit support on an emergency basis not only from other pro-Islamic sections of society but also the liberals and leftists, who do not want to see a pro-military establishment man sit at the pinnacle of decision-making.

But for some the rise of Shafiq, a somber man of little words, could come to bless Egypt with moderation and political pluralism, especially as the Islamists sit petty decisively in parliament.

It seems Egyptians have a Hobson's choice to make while preserving the ideals of Arab Spring, as they get back to poll on June 16.