The Shura (Consultative) Council of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is holding an extraordinary meeting to discuss whether or not to participate in the country’s presidential election. A decision is due by the end of this week. There are reports of a split within the movement on this issue, with some members favouring a Brotherhood candidate and others arguing to support a non-member consensus candidate.
The Shura is discussing four options: to overturn the previous decision not to stand, and nominate a Brotherhood member as a candidate; have no candidate of its own and not declare support for any other candidate; declare support for an existing candidate from outside the movement; or convince a public figure to stand with the movement’s backing.
Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed reports about the intention of the Muslim Brotherhood to nominate Engineer Khayrat Al-Shater, the Islamic movement’s Deputy Leader as a presidential candidate. This has been met with opposition from some younger members of the Brotherhood who have expressed their disapproval by demonstrating in front of the group’s office.