Muslim Brotherhood’s Main Presidential Competitor Sidelined

Hundreds of Islamists rallied in Tahrir Square on Friday to protest what they view as a conspiracy to keep their presidential candidate from running in Egypt’s upcoming race.

Egypt’s election commission confirmed on April 5 that the mother of Hazem Abu Ismail is an American citizen, which may disqualify Abu Ismail from the presidency.

Before the announcement, Abu Ismail was among the strongest contenders for the presidential race thanks mostly to widespread backing from ultra-conservative Salafi Muslims.

Abu Ismail was viewed as the primary competition for the Muslim Brotherhood’s presidential candidate, Khairat el Shater. Although the Brotherhood is less hardline than the Salafi movement, el-Shater has been heavily courting Salafis since his presidential bid was announced. Abu Ismail’s disqualification represents a significant boost in the Brotherhood’s chances of winning the presidency.

The Trumpet has long forecast that Egypt would fall under the influence of radical Islamists with the Muslim Brotherhood at the helm. The Muslim Brotherhood already dominates Egypt’s parliament and the committee that will write the country’s new constitution. Now, after originally stating it would not put forward a presidential candidate, the Muslim Brotherhood has fielded one, and his competition is looking weak.