Several Islamist parties have decided to merge into a single party, headed by disqualified presidential candidate Hazem Salah Abu Ismail. The merging decision came after several meetings between Islamist figures, including leading figures of Al-Nour Salafi Party, Al-Shaab Party, political wing of the Salafi Front, Al-Fadila Islamist Party, in addition to Egyptian People Party. Egyptian People Party is an under-establishment party, including some of Abu Ismail's supporters who protested in front of the Ministry of Defense in May. Spokesperson for Al-Shaab Party, Ahmed Mawlana, confirmed that his party is merging into Abu Ismail's new party. He also confirmed the merger of Egyptian People and Fadila Parties into the new party. Mawlana said the name of the new party was not decided yet, adding that all the details will be announced soon. Gamal Saber, spokesperson for Hazemoon, the political group supporting Abu Ismail, refused to comment on the merger decision, saying that all the details would be announced on Thursday. He added that Al-Shaab Party was initially founded because Abu Ismail did not form a political party. “We are all supporters of Sheikh Hazem. It took him sometime to form his party, but now that he is forming it, we should all support him and unify." Mawlana denied having any information on speculations of mass resignations at Al-Nour Party. 150 members of Al-Nour Party resigned on Tuesday night in a step towards joining Abu Ismail's Party. Mixed responses were issued from Al-Nour Party officials regarding the rumours saying that chairperson Emad Abdel Ghafour resigned from the party. On Tuesday, Nader Bakkar, spokesperson for Al-Nour Party, said Abdel Ghafour resigned along with Yousry Hammad, leading figure at the party. However, state-run newspaper, Ahram reported that Abdel Ghafour denied his resignation later on Tuesday. Abdel Ghafour and Hammad could not be reached for comment.
