Key figure Abul-Soud announces support for presidential hopeful Abul-Fotouh — expelled from Islamist group for decision to enter race — and calls on Supreme Guide to reconsider stance Key Muslim Brotherhood figure Zein Abul-Soud announced Saturday he has submitted an official presidency recommendation for ex-Brotherhood member Abdel-Monein Abul-Fotouh, and asks the Brotherhood's Supreme Guide to reconsider the decision not to back Abul-Fotouh in the upcoming presidential elections. Abul-Soud and nine other Brotherhood members in Beni Suef submitted official recommendations for Abul-Fotouh Saturday. Each presidential candidate should receive at least 30.000 recommendations from 15 governorate in order for their candidacy application to be accepted. "I say to the [Supreme] Guide: fear God and come back to your senses. We are more deserving of Abul-Fotouh's support than any other," said Abul-Soud, as reported by Al-Ahram Arabic portal on Saturday. Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh, a longtime Brotherhood figure, was discharged from the Brotherhood in June 2011 after he announced his intention to run for the presidency, which contracted the Brotherhood decision not to nominate one of its members for the top post. With presidential elections nearing, several statements attributed to the Brotherhood has been clear in denying any intention to support Abul Fotouh in the elections. However, circulated reports tell of disagreements within the Brotherhood's echelons on the matter. The Muslim Brotherhood is yet to announce the candidate it will officially support in the elections. Presidential elections in Egypt will be held 23-24 May, with the results announced 21 June after a runoff round, if necessary, 16-17 June. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/36984.aspx
