Hossam Moenes, spokesperson for the Popular Current, denied rumors on Wednesday via a tweet that Hamdeen Sabbahi, former presidential candidate and founder of the party, had insisted on running in the presidential elections. Mo and is yet undecided as to whether he will run.
“Statements attributed to me on certain websites about Sabbahi running in the elections are inaccurate,” he said. “Sabbahi’s only aim is to enable the revolution to achieve its goals.”
London-based Al-Hayah newspaper reported on Wednesday that Moenes expected Sabbahi to declare his stance "officially within a few days" and that Sabbahi's bid is based on "being a representative of the revolution and the wider Egyptian sector and youth."
Moenes clarified his words. “All I said was that he is a potential candidate and that the party leaders believe he is the most suitable candidate for the elections,” he said. He added that Sabbahi is not afraid to run in the elections but does not want to go back on his conditions or cause any discord that may benefit the "counter-revolution."
He also denied that the party members resigned in support of Sisi or that the party’s statement about the Military Council regarding Sisi’s candidacy was a condemnation in any way.
Meanwhile, Al-Hayah highlighted the political scene in Egypt saying that the competition over the presidency has clearly started.
"After the nomination of Defense Minister Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi was announced, others close to the former presidential hopeful Sabbahi disclosed his insistence on running for the presidency,” the newspaper said.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
