Strong Egypt Party supports protest on 30 June, opposes military coup
The party, led by moderate Islamist Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh, said it will demand only early presidential elections
Ahram Online , Tuesday 18 Jun 2013
Founder of moderate Islamist Strong Egypt Party Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh (Photo: Ahram Online)
The Strong Egypt Party supports a policy of "peaceful change" through its participation in anti-government protests on 30 June, and stands against calls for a "military coup" as an alternative to President Mohamed Morsi's rule.
"We are afraid that Egypt's army will slip into political dilemmas, or that a civil war could break out between those competing for power," the party said in an official statement released on Monday detailing its reasons for participation in the mass protests planned for 30 June to oppose Morsi and call for early presidential elections.
Strong Egypt, led by former Islamist presidential contender Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh, said that the current political strife in the country is the direct responsibility of Morsi and the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), who "diverted long ago from the aims of the 25 January revolution."
"Instead, they focus on fulfilling their own goals, which do not coincide with the revolution's aims," the statement read.
It attributed the country's current "political strife" to increasing "exclusion and accusations of treason and heresy."
"[There is] continuous pursuit to control and dominate the state through appointing [officials] who will be loyal [to the regime] rather than those competent," the statement said.
In addition, the party criticised a lack of reform in the interior ministry, saying that it has continued the former regime's repressive measures.
"There are question marks on where the report of fact finding committee went [submitted in January to the president and the prosecutor-general] that has details on the killing of protesters during the 25 January 2011 uprising and events in its aftermath," the statement added.
"Not only that, but more protesters have died [under the current regime]."
"This has caused a major disappointment for the Egyptian people who are already suffering from lack of security and economic crises."
The party finally said that it will remain peaceful during the protests, will focus only on the one demand of early presidential elections. It also said it will stand against a military coup or the handing of power to the head of the High Constitutional Court.
Egypt’s opposition is organising mass protests against Morsi's rule for the end of the month. The call for protests was initiated by the 'Rebel' campaign, a signature drive launched in May with the aim of "withdrawing confidence" from President Morsi.
The goal of the campaign is to collect 15 million signatures before the anniversary of Morsi's 30 June 2012 inauguration, which would exceed the number of votes with which Morsi won the election.
The campaign announced on 29 May that it has already collected seven million signatures.
Several opposition groups announced they will participate in the rallies, including the opposition coalition National Salvation Front (NSF).
The Strong Egypt Party is not a member of the coalition.
Though the Strong Egypt was the first party to call for early presidntial elections earlier this year, it only endorsed the 30 June demonstrations last week.
Short link: