CAIRO: Egypt's former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq announced on Tuesday his candidacy for the presidency, saying that he would submit his nomination papers on March 10, immediately after the opening of the doors for presidential candidates to nominate themselves. Shafiq said at a press conference on Tuesday, “I am honored to announce my candidacy for the presidency of Egypt, hoping to gain the confidence of every Egyptian and vowing to do everything for Egypt's stability and progress.” Shafiq pledged to maintain good governance, justice, security and balanced development and continuous progress. He gave a quick overview about his background, civil and military career, and stressed that he is proud that he served as one of the veterans of the armed forces. Shafiq defended his candidacy, despite the controversy looming around it, as he served as the Minister of Civil Aviation and, the former prime minister during the January 25 Revolution, before the ouster of the President Hosni Mubarak. He hinted at the support of Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi for his candidacy, saying that he has known him for the past 20 years, and he is a “good friend.” “I spoke with him about my candidacy informally as a friend, and I would have withdrawn my candidacy if he had told me not to run,” The state-run MENA news agency reported. He denied that he is the military council's candidate and stressed that the council “is not nominating anyone in particular for the post.” He recommended the presidential system for Egypt for a period or two, although the constitution is the only factor that would determine either it is going to be a parliamentary or presidential state. Shafiq pledged returning security to the country with “great force” as soon as he takes office as president, stressing that “no one could stand against this decision.” Former President Hosni Mubarak appointed Shafiq as prime minister on January 29, 2011, following massive popular protests against his rule. He was then dismissed by the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) following protests demanding the removal of all the remnants of Mubarak`s regime and was replaced by Essam Sharaf. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/sZ9q6 Tags: Elections, featured, President, SCAF, Shafiq Section: Egypt, Latest News
