Well-informed sources told London-based newspaper Asharq al-Awsat on Tuesday, that top officials in the government are evaluating the current situation before scheduling the presidential election, including the possibility of Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi running for the position.
The sources also noted that former intelligence chief Murad Mowafy has emerged as a possible candidate to be supported by high sectors of the government, but this option is still being evaluated on the internal and external level.
They added that Sisi's running for presidency is not his decision or the people's only, but it is important to be in the interest of Egypt. If insisting on Sisi can cause problems with vital regional and Western countries, an alternative could be found.
The sources stressed that the presidential candidate would mostly be of a military background, making Mowafy a fine alternative, they explained that the Egyptian military is disciplined, and if the army hinted for a particular candidate, people would support him.
Officials also noted confusion in the state sectors as the anniversary of 25 January revolution nears, as some plan huge popularity popular celebrations on Friday and Saturday, accompanied by large crowds calling Sisi to run for presidency.
In higher state circles, an unexpected state of anxiety persisted on Monday, which resulted in a change in some arrangements concerning the preparations planned to support Sisi during celebrations on Friday and Saturday.
Top state leaders required a number of the organizers, including ministers, former MPs, politicians and activists, to hold celebrations showing the ability to assemble large crowds in Tahrir Square, to block attempts by the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsy, to spoil the celebration.
The same sources has pointed out Sunday that there were instruction to halt celebrations in public places, including Tahrir Square, and only hold celebrations in closed settings, but later said the situation was reconsidered, after learning that huge numbers of people already plan to celebrate in the streets.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
