The decision of reform leader Mohamed ElBaradei to not run for the Egyptian presidency in protest of the military's failure to achieve the demands of the revolution has sparked a wide range of reactions among other presidential candidates.
Here are some of these reactions:
Amr Moussa
Moussa said he feels sorry that ElBaradei has made this decision, and he appreciates ElBaradei’s role in fueling the recent developments in Egypt. Moussa tweeted, “I hope ElBaradei will carry on with his efforts with all Egyptians seeking to rebuild the country.”
Ayman Nour
Nour described the withdrawal of ElBaradei as “a shock to the national conscience.” In a phone interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher Misr, Nour described ElBaradei as the revolution's kiss of life, and said it is currently suffering due to the withdrawal of its braver member, leaving behind less effective, paralyzed figures. Nour also said ElBaradei was the “president of the Egyptian conscience republic.”
Hamdeen Sabbahi
Sabbahi described ElBaradei as a respectable national figure, adding that nobody can deny the role he played in removing the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak. Sabbahi told Al-Ahram newspaper that ElBaradei has enriched the process of change, adding that despite occasional differences in viewpoints, EBaradei is much respected. His withdrawal from the presidential race means we have lost him as a presidential candidate, but he will undoubtedly continue to serve Egypt, he added.
Hazem Salah Abu Ismail
He said that he is surprised and perplexed by the decision, which should be examined to understand what prompted it.
