---
"title": "Egyptian Views of Democracy"
"description": "By a 22-point margin, Egyptians choose democracy over stability."
"date": "2011-05-18"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Russell Heimlich"
    "job_title": "Former web developer"
    "link": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
"url": "https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/short-reads/2011/05/18/egyptian-views-of-democracy/"
"categories":
  - "International Political Values"
---

# Egyptian Views of Democracy

A 54%-majority of Egyptians say it is more important for their country to have a democratic government, even if there is some risk of political instability. Nearly a third (32%) say it is more important for their country to have a stable government, even if there is some risk it will not be fully democratic. Also, fully 71% of Egyptians now say democracy is preferable to any other kind of government, up from 60% in 2010. Democracy is also prioritized over a strong leader by a 64%-to-34% margin. But when a good democracy is tested against a strong economy, the result is a 47%-to-49% draw. [Read More](https://alpha.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/pubs/1971/egypt-poll-democracy-elections-islam-military-muslim-brotherhood-april-6-movement-israel-obama)