Mohamed ElBaradei explained in a closed-door meeting on Saturday why he withdrew from the presidential race, and said that the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces had tried to dissuade him.
The one-time director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that "the former regime is still in place" and that he cannot work under an "artificial system."
"Those who made the revolution have been marginalized, and the current People's Assembly does not represent Egyptian society," ElBaradei said during the meeting, which preceded the announcement of his withdrawal.
"I will work during the next stage to restore the revolution on the ground; I will focus on making the young people strongest force in the next parliament," ElBaradei said.
He stressed that he would cooperate with the citizens and the political elite in order to reach these goals.
"A deal has been made regarding the constitution-drafting process. I do not expect it to meet the aspirations of citizens," ElBaradei said.
"What has happened so far is not real change. I do not think that the goals of the revolution have been achieved," ElBaradei said.
