Reformist Muslim Brotherhood (MB) leader ‘Abd al-Mun’im Abū al-Futūh has announced his intention to run as an independent presidential candidate in the upcoming elections.
He thereby defies the MB’s decision not to field a presidential candidate, which is likely to exacerbate the rift between the old and young MB members, with younger ones supporting him nevertheless.
Abū al-Futūh is currently working out his political program which is mainly focusing on education and development.
Furthermore, he is presenting himself as a moderate and mediating link between Islamists, liberals and Copts.
Referring to the recent Imbābah attacks, he announced that “such sectarian strife makes me more determined to pursue the presidency. As elements of religious extremism creep up in the transition period, the country needs someone who is best connected to the Muslim, Christian and liberal sides of the political spectrum.”
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