CAIRO: Potential Egyptian presidential candidate Mohamed Saleem al-Awa decided to suspend his campaign until the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) “take serious steps towards the transfer of power in Egypt,” said a statement issued from his office. The statement mentioned that al-Awa was very “upset” at the delay of the parliamentary elections “in opposition of the popular demand that it would be at the end of this year,” in reference to the pushing back until next year the Upper House of Parliament, or Shura Council. He added that this delay helps the “lack of stability of security that Egypt is suffering from and many Egyptians complain about.” Al-Awa, an Islamic scholar and a constitutional expert was a strong candidate, who many believe has a very good chance of becoming Egypt's next president. He said it was a “useless effort” to continue his campaign before the SCAF announces final dates for the power transfer to civilians. However, he said he will continue his grassroots social work and activism until the demands of the uprising are all met. The SCAF announced last week November 28 as the beginning of the election for the People's Assembly, or Lower House of Parliament, but has not given a date for a presidential election nor has it said specifically when the transfer of power would happen. BM
