Hundreds of protesters in several of Egypt’s governorates took to the streets on Friday in protest of former regime member Ahmed Shafiq’s presidential candidacy. Many called for regime remnants such as Shafiq, who was served as minister of aviation and prime minister under Mubarak, to be banned from politics.
The Alliance of Egypt’s Revolutionaries was the first to issue a call Wednesday for nationwide demonstrations against Shafiq, with other revolutionary groups following suit. They said protesters should demand the toppling of “the new Mubarak regime."
In Qalyubiya governorate, groups organized a march through Banha city streets, demanding that Shafiq be banned him from running the runoff elections and excluded from politics by law.
Qalyubiya security authorities increased security presence at government institutions and candidates’ campaign headquarters in anticipation of possible riots.
In Alexandria, hundreds of protesters gathered at Al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque. They chanted slogans expressing their rejection of Shafiq running in the presidential race.
In Arish, North Sinai, dozens of protesters marched the streets demanding Shafiq be banned from the race for being a member of the former regime. Protesters called on all citizens not to vote for him in the runoff.
In Aswan, dozens protested downtown against Shafiq, also demanding that military leaders swiftly transfer power by the end of June. Authorities intensified security presence at Shafiq campaign headquarters, fearing that it could be attacked.
In Suez, dozens organized a demonstration in Arba'een square after Friday prayers demanding that the political isolation law be approved, which would prevent Shafiq’s running.
Protesters also gathered against Shafiq in the governorates of Damietta, Kafr el-Sheikh, Ismailia, and Gharbiya on Friday.
Edited translation from MENA
