The Strong Egypt Party denied mass resignations took place in Assiut on Monday, after rumours of a rift between the party’s leader Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh and several other party founders surfaced.
Rumours hinted at a schism caused by the referendum vote, after Abul Fotouh announced the party line would be to vote “No” on the constitutional referendum. Several founders and members of the party were said to have resigned after having voted “Yes” in the first round, among them Mustafa Omran, a founding member of the party.
“I am still very much in the party but have been away for personal reasons,” Omran clarified.
Mohamed Al-Mohandes, a spokesperson for the party, also denied there had been fresh defections within the party, saying they have not received any official resignation from Assiut members but is aware of the rumours.
Al-Mohandes admitted that party members have resigned recently but said the number did not exceed 25 and were from various governorates. The recent resignations came as a result of various members’ personal views on the constitution which clashed with Abul Fotouh’s stance regarding the National Salvation Front (NSF).
The party spokesperson explained last month they would not be joining the NSF until they decide to adopt the demands set forth by the party, including accepting articles within the constitution which the party has recognised.
