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Islamic presidential candidate promises democracy in EgyptBy Josh Levs, CNN
June 18, 2012
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Analysts say Morsi is focusing his campaign on appealing to the broadest possible audience.
But he "represents the older, more conservative wing of the Brotherhood and openly endorses a strict Islamic vision," Isobel Coleman of the Council on Foreign Relations wrote in a column for CNN.com.
"A vote for Mohamed Morsi will consolidate the Brotherhood's political influence, which could translate into a constitution with weaker provisions for protection of minority and women's rights."
A slogan associated with his campaign, "Islam is the solution," is sparking concerns that Morsi could introduce a fundamentalist Islamic theocracy.
He told CNN last month that he had no such plans. His party seeks "an executive branch that represents the people's true will and implements their public interests," Morsi told CNN's Christiane Amanpour.
"There is no such thing called an Islamic democracy. There is democracy only. ... The people are the source of authority," he said.
Asked about the role of women, he vowed that "women's rights are equal to men."
And asked whether he would maintain Egypt's 1979 accord with Israel, Morsi answered, "Yes, of course I will. I will respect it provided the other side keep it up and respect it."
Morsi was not originally his party's pick for the country's top post. He was called on to step in after the first choice was disqualified. Khairat al-Shater was among three candidates who were told they did not meet candidacy requirements.
The Muslim Brotherhood had originally pledged not to seek the presidency, noted the Financial Times.
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http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/15/world/meast/egypt-election-morsi/