Kamal el-Ganzouri is a good choice to lead a transitional government, said presidential candidate Mohamed Selim al-Awa on Egyptian television Friday, saying Ganzouri opposed the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak, whom he served under in the 1990s. During an interview with the program "Al-Hayah Al-Youm” with broadcasters Sherif Amer and Lobna Asal, Awa said Ganzouri's first speech must indicate that he has accepted the position with full powers. Awa said Ganzouri would not accept the position unless he was given full power, and that although Ganzouri has his opponents and his champions, it is more likely that the people will accept him. Awa said that the people want the government to make real promises, truly resolve their problems, and bring those who injured and killed protestors in Egypt to justice. He said the next government must immediately implement economic reforms, and strive to find solutions improving the conditions of the poorer strata in Egyptian society. "The only solution to transfer power to the people in a democratic way is holding parliamentary elections on time," said Awa. Awa said he is not worried about the security situation surrounding the upcoming elections and thinks it is unlikely that the security forces will fail to secure the elections. He said that 126,000 officers and soldiers of the army would secure the election along with the police. Awa also reserved a role for the Egyptian people, saying that the people committees would have a role. Awa did not approve of the mass demonstrations across Egypt, saying they would cause clashes between citizens. The Islamic thinker said that the protestors Tahrir Square do not belong to a particular organization, insofar as no trend or political party pushed them to demonstrate. He also cited the single demand of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces handing over authority to a civilian authority. Awa said he supported the right of protesters to demonstrate peacefully and to demand their legitimate rights. He asserted that his participation in a meeting with representatives of the Supreme Council was not for political purposes but to guarantee the rights of protestors and to prevent further bloodshed. He said he could not accept the post of interim Prime Minister, saying it is too large and difficult a responsibility.
