Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Candidate Endorsed by Ultraconservative Clerics

A new group comprised of ultraconservative clerics including Salafists, independent Islamist parties and the Muslim Brotherhood, has endorsed Mohammad Morsi, the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood, for Egypt’s presidency. The move was seen as an effort to prevent a split among Islamists that would allow another candidate to slip by. Despite the formation of the new organization, a second Islamist candidate who is viewed as being more moderate — but who is popular with the public — remains in the race. Most prominent among those who could benefit from the split among Islamists is Amr Moussa, former head of the Arab League. To many Egyptians who fear the creation of a strong Islamist government will inevitably lead the country to a full implementation of Islamic law, Moussa represents an attractive alternative. Elections are slated for May 23 and 24; with a run-off, if necessary, a month later.