Cairo: Ten presidential candidates, including Omer Suleiman and Khairat al-Shater, were barred by the Egyptian’s Election Commission from participating in the upcoming elections.
Hazem Abu Ismail was another key candidate who was barred by the commission because his mother has American citizenship. The episode can dramatically change the election scenario in the country.
The head of the Supreme Presidential Election Commission Farouk Sultan on Saturday confirmed the development but refused to give details for why the candidates had been disqualified.
According to BBC, Suleiman, a former spy chief and former ally of Hosni Mubarak, was apparently barred because he failed to get enough signatures to endorse his last minute candidature.
Shater, the leader of the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, has been barred because of a former criminal conviction.
The candidates and their supporters expressed concerns over the decision and large demonstrations are expected in the capital, the report said.
Candidates who have been disqualified can appeal the decision within 48 hours.
First round of elections is due in May, more than a year after the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak.
Candidates who remain in the race include former Arab League chief Amr Moussa, Abdul-Moneim Abulfotouh and former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription