The presidential contest is not only between Amr
Moussa and Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh. They might have
had the first television debate but two others, the official candidate of the
country's best organised political movement, the Muslim
Brotherhood, Mohamed Morsi, and the former prime
minister Ahmed Shafiq, are also serious contenders. Two are
former ministers. Shafiq, in particularly, appeals to the desire to restore law
and order. Moussa, in his television debate, sought to distance himself from the
regime which he had served as foreign minister.
The strength of Aboul Fotouh is equally his weakness. He has
been trying to appeal to all voters. He was originally a Salafist and has the
endorsement of the Salafists. He became a Muslim Brother but fell out with them.
He has the support of younger Muslim Brothers who do not care for their rigid
and elderly leaders. And he has also reached out to Copts and others as a
moderate voice.
His critics, however, argue that he is so bent on power that he
will sell any of his principles. Of all the candidates, he is the major one
nearest to being a candidate uniting all different factions within the
country.
For more news and expert analysis about Egypt, please see Egypt Politics & Security.
© 2012 Menas Associates
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