Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

Muhammad Badī‘, the general guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, revealed the support of his group for seven oppositional candidates, including Nabīl Ramzī, an independent Coptic candidate, in the Shurá Council elections. He stressed the insistence of the Muslim Brotherhood to participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections next November.

 

In his first press conference since he assumed his position as the general guide last January, Badī‘ stated that his group decided to support some oppositional, partisan and independent figures for the reason of national welfare. Therefore, the Muslim Brotherhood coordinated with some parties such as al-Wafd, al-Ghad, al-Tajamu‘ and al-‘Amal, in addition to a Coptic candidate.

 

The Muslim Brotherhood insists on adopting the “Islam is the solution” motto, despite the pressures they face, stated Badī‘, asserting that the motto is a practical translation of the second article of the Egyptian Constitution, adding that the judiciary has confirmed its constitutionality. Badī‘ indicated that the Muslim Brotherhood seeks a civil state with reference to Islam, pointing out that there is no such thing as a religious government with infallible members in Islam.

 

The Supreme Administrative Court has rejected the petition submitted by Intsār Nasīm, the head of the supreme committee supervising the Shurá elections to exclude Ashraf Badr al-Dīn, the Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate in Ashmūn, Monufia. Nasīm made an unprecedented appeal, calling for excluding the Group’s candidate because of the use of religious slogans which, according to him, are illegal.

 

Ahmad ‘Izz held a press conference to support the party’s candidate in Kafr al-Sheikh, Hudá al-Tablāwī, who faces fierce competition with Usāmah al-Husīnī. ‘Izz threatened to punish the leaders of the party in Kafr al-Sheikh if they do not support their candidate.