(Photo by Ahmed Al-Malky)
By Jake Lippincott
Former Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Sami Anan, who has been publicly toying with running for president, announced Thursday that he would not take part in the race. On the same day Hamdeen Sabahy, the leader of the leftist Egyptian Popular Current confirmed his intention to run for presidency.
Field Marshall Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, who is widely expected to declare his candidacy and win the contest, has remained vague about his intentions. However, with Sami Anan out of the picture it appears that Al-Sisi will be the only candidate representing the Egyptian military if he chooses to run.
Anan explained his decision in a press conference held on Thursday, saying that he bowed out in order to maintain the unity of the nation. He went on to say that his concern for the Egyptian public interest and the protection of Egypt against “internal and external” conspiracies informed his decision to pull out.
In another statement also released on Thursday, Hamdeen Sabahy’s campaign criticised portions of the recently passed Elections Law but reaffirmed its intention to contest the presidential race.
Additional reporting by Yomna Khalid Shirazy
