The Muslim Brotherhood’s nomination of Khairat al-Shater for president is an attempt by businessmen to control power, as was the case under the Mubarak regime, said presidential hopeful Hossam Khairallah on Sunday.
“It would not only fragment the Islamist vote, but also compromise the credibility of the Brotherhood,” he said.
He pointed out that the group has changed its position three times in one year, citing the parliamentary elections, the makeup of the constituent assembly and now the presidential elections.
“The group said it would not nominate anyone for president so as not to antagonize the West,” he said. “Does it now favor its own interests over those of Egypt?
“I wonder if Shater would be loyal to the constitution or the group’s supreme guide,” he added.
Karama Party leader Hamdeen Sabbahi, also a presidential hopeful, considered the move an “uncalculated” step on the part of the Brotherhood that would compromise the group’s credibility, but said a fragmented Islamist vote may be in Shater’s favor.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
