Egypt's security forces have discovered around 1500 persons unofficially campaigning on behalf of army chief Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and collecting illegal donations, army spokesman Ahmed Ali said on Monday. Ali said that the campaigners have been holding press conferences across the country in which they promised future advantages and rewards in exchange for donations ranging between LE125 to LE200 ($18 to $28). El-Sisi is widely expected to contest – and win – Egypt's upcoming presidential elections but has yet to officially declare his candidacy. In his statement, Ali warned against misusing the identity of the defence minister or abusing the name of the military, stressing that such illegal acts would be prosecuted by law. Egypt's presidential elections are expected to be finalised before 17 July, according to interim president Adly Mansour. The date for candidates' registration has not yet been announced. To date, the only presidential candidate to declare his campaign is Nasserist figure Hamdeen Sabbahi, who has been an outspoken critic of El-Sisi's presidential hopes, arguing that he should retain his post as defence minister and not enter politics. Source : AHram online
