The Salafi movement in Alexandria said on Wednesday that it intends to participate in the political process after decades of abstaining. A brief statement said the movement is examining how to participate in political life and whether it will field candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections. It did not say whether Salafis would form a party or what their position is toward more politically active Islamist groups, such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Alexandria is a stronghold for Salafis in Egypt, who are known for staying out of politics, which they say corrupt religious principles. The movement considers democracy a Western system of government and generally does not accept the appointment of women or non-Muslims to leadership positions. Salafis adopt a literal interpretation of religious texts and therefore do not see parliament as the source of legislation or the people as the source of authority. The Salafi movement's relationship with the ousted regime was vague. While former President Hosni Mubarak's regime imposed heavy restrictions on their organizational activity, it allowed some prominent Salafi figures to run mosques and also allowed Salafis to protest against the Coptic Church. Some observers say the regime used the Muslim Brotherhood, which advocates participation in politics, to weaken the Salafi movement. The Salafis refused to participate in the 25 January Revolution but later acknowledged its legitimacy because of pressure from younger members, some of whom took part in the revolution.
