The Muslim Brotherhood, one of the most organized political groups in Egypt, says it will not field a candidate in the coming presidential election, Mohamed Badie, the Muslim Brotherhood's Supreme Guide, has confirmed. In statements posted on the group's official website, Badie said the group will participate in the parliamentary election but will not field a candidate in the coming presidential election. Badie added that the Freedom and Justice party -- the group's party, which is currently under formation -- is the only party to represent the group and no Muslim Brotherhood members may establish or join any other party. Badie added that the group's Shura Council will determine what percentage of parliamentary seats the group will contest. This, he said, will be determined by the group's general policy and consultations with other political players. Observers believe that the most organized groups in Egypt, namely the National Democratic Party and the Muslim Brotherhood, are the most likely to achieve large gains in the elections if conducted during the six-month transitional period specified by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. Several political powers have rejected the proposed constitutional amendments and called for the formulation of a new constitution. Aboud al-Zomor, one of the plotters of Sadat's assassination in 1981, called on the Brotherhood to rescind its position of non-participation in the next presidential elections and field one of its qualified cadres. Al-Zomor was recently released from prison after spending nearly 30 years behind bars. “But I will not run,” he told Al-Masry Al-Youm. “There are many others better than me.” Al-Zomor added that the Islamic movement is the “safety valve” of Egyptian society.
