CAIRO - The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's most organised political group, expelled a key figure for defying its stance on the forthcoming presidential elections. The group's youth have dismissed the decision as a 'flawed move', exposing a rift inside the 83-year-old organisation. "An investigative board have recommended that Abdel-Moneim Abul Fotouh's membership be suspended over his plans to run for president despite the group's decision [forbidding this]," the Brotherhood's Guidance Bureau said in a statement. It added that Abul Fotouh, a physician who is also Secretary-General of the Arab Doctors' Union, had been advised not to run. "However, he insists on defying the group, which decided earlier not to field a candidate for Egypt's top post," added the statement, a copy of which was obtained by The Egyptian Gazette. The Brotherhood have vowed not to nominate a candidate for Egypt's presidency in elections due late this year, stressing on more than one occasion that they will never support any of the candidates. "I'm not concerned about the Brotherhood's decision to suspend me. I'm fully convinced about my decision to run for the Egyptian presidency as a candidate for all Egyptians," said Abul Fotouh in the wake of his dismissal from a group he belonged to for more than 30 years. He added that he was sure he would garner thousands of votes from the Brotherhood's affiliates. "The Brotherhood's Supreme Guide himself could vote for me, as we enjoy good ties," Abul Fotouh, 60, added defiantly. The veteran Islamist pointed out that he's not looking for the Brotherhood's support for his presidency as "Egypt's president should represent all Egyptians, not only a specific political leaning.” On Saturday, Abul Fotouh officially announced that he will run for Egypt's top post following a trip to London – the final stop in a European tour during which he met with Egyptian communities throughout Europe. Meanwhile, young members of the Muslim Brotherhood, who have some minor differences with the group's leadership over protesting against the ruling Military Council, have slammed the decision to dismiss Abul Fotouh as a move that will have more of a negative impact on the group than on him. “I personally believe it is a wrong decision,” said Ahmed Osama, a 34-year-old Brotherhood member. “I believe it will have more of a negative impact on the Muslim Brotherhood than on Abul Fotouh.” For several weeks, Brotherhood leaders have been saying that they will not support Abul Fotouh's candidacy, vowing to dismiss any Brother running for president. However, many young Brothers have not complied with the group's orders; hundreds have volunteered to campaign for Abul Fotouh. “We do not care about this decision and we will move ahead with our campaign,” added Osama, who claimed earlier that his membership has been frozen because of his decision to campaign for Abul Fotouh.
