The Salafi-based Nour Party has called on the government to respond to the statement by Wafd Party Chief Al-Sayyed Al-Badawy who levelled accusations against the government for having an electoral list entitled ‘For the Love of Egypt’ in the parliamentary elections.
Shaaban Abdel Aleem, deputy chief of the Nour Party, said the legislative authority should be independent from the government so that it is able to perform its duties as a monitor over other executive authorities. The existence of such a list is dangerous and unaccepted in light of efforts made to bring about a strong parliament, he said.
Speaking to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Abdel Aleem said “Badawy’s statement confirms the rumors that the government prepared its own electoral list for the elections.” He is calling for a response from the government on this issue.
Regarding the party’s arrangements for the election, Abdel Aleem said, “No one knows what will happen. Nothing is clear,” adding that the party is awaiting the political leadership's stance as well as the finalizing of the elections law.
Amr Emara, coordinator of the 'Dissident Brothers’ coalition, said the government has been reluctant from the beginning to face the major violations in the electoral process. The idea of having an electoral list is a mistake that could provoke the wrath of many politicians and parties. “President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is asked to intervene to stop such violations and to be aware that there are those who are conspiring against him and trying to involve him in failure and corruption,” he said.
Anas Abdullah, a Muslim Brotherhood youth member, said “Badawy’s statement is a blast that showed the conspiracy made by the government, which was known by politicians but hidden from regular people. This is evidence that the disbanded National Democratic Party is coming back to control the political scene.”
Mohamed Saeed, another Brotherhood member, told Al-Masry Al-Youm, that “Badawy did not do this out of his love for Egypt or to absolve himself, but because he failed to reach the deal he wanted.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
