The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) opposition group has criticized recent statements by Safwat al-Sherif, secretary-general of the ruling National Democratic Party, saying they suggested an intention on the part of the ruling party to fix upcoming parliamentary elections in its favor.
Earlier this week, al-Sherif asserted that MB candidates would fail to win as many parliamentary seats as they did in 2005 races, when the group captured an unprecedented 88 seats in the 454-seat national assembly.
In an online statement, the MB declared that al-Sherif’s comments constituted proof that the NDP intended to rig the elections–scheduled for November–"just as it rigged recent elections for the Shura Council," the consultative chamber of Egypt's parliament.
The statement went on to urge Egypt's various political forces to "forget their differences" and "agree on a unified stance in order to confront this authoritarian regime."
“Al-Sherif’s remarks constitute proof of the ruling party’s dictatorial nature,” said MB Guidance Bureau member Mohamed Morsy. “Because it is feeble and unable to lead the nation, the regime must resort to ideological purges.”
Morsy added that statements like al-Sherif's served to threaten Egypt's security and tarnish the country’s reputation.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
