An attempt by several political figures to form a presidential team that includes candidates Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh and Hamdeen Sabbahi has failed, privately-owned Al-Shorouk newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Media professional Hamdy Qandil said the candidates met on Sunday to consider the formation of a presidential team that will challenge candidates affiliated to the former regime.
Around 25 public figures attended the meeting which lasted for almost five hours, Qandil told Al-Shorouk. No clear agreement over forming the team was reached, as none of the candidates were willing to withdraw for the other’s favor.
Despite the meeting’s failure, Qandil said the meeting came up with two results: first, that there will be respectful, moral competition among the candidates during the two coming weeks. The second result, which is more important according to Qandil, is that if any of the candidates reached the run-offs, the other candidates will publicly endorse him.
Former Muslim Brotherhood figure Kamal al-Helbawi, law professor Hossam Eissa and Wasat Party Chief Abul Ela Mady were among the attendees, Qandil added.