Campaign staff for Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh, a reformist Muslim Brotherhood leader, have given differing statements on whether he intends to run for president. Ahmed Osama, the campaign's media spokeperson, said Abouel Fotouh has decided to run. But his media adviser denied the news. In recent years, Abouel Fotouh has built a reputation as a liberal Islamist who preaches democratic values, women's rights and freedom of speech and expression, opposing discrimination against non-Muslims. His views have often differed from the Muslim Brotherhood's mainstream discourse. Speculation about his possible presidential campaign comes shortly after the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition group, announced that its Freedom and Justice Party would contest half of the seats in the upcoming parliamentary elections. In statements to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Osama said the idea began as a suggestion by Abouel Fotouh's fans. More than 250 people met with him at the Doctors Syndicate on Wednesday, and he said Abouel Fotouh agreed to run. However, Mohamed Heikal, the general coordinator for the campaign, said the campaign staff will announce Abouel Fotouh's nomination at the appropriate time. Heikal pointed out Abouel Fotouh understands the Muslim Brotherhood does not support his nomination, adding that the Brotherhood is a large political entity that he does not want to embarrass. Heikal described Abouel Fotouh as a figure characterized by moderation, saying he has supporters everywhere - a fact that became clear when the campaign used the internet to garner support for his nomination. Heikal said the campaign will highlight Abouel Fotouh's charisma and conscientiousness. Meanwhile, Mohamed Abbas, Abouel Fotouh's media adviser, said the potential candidate is currently outside Egypt and has not yet made a final decision on whether to run. Abbas said Abouel Fotouh will make the decision as soon as he returns to Egypt. Translated from the Arabic Edition
