Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie (Photo: Reuters)
Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie has confirmed that the group's political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), plans to form a government before the end of the transitional period in June.
His comments – made to the group's Ikhwanonline website – are significant because they are the first time a senior member of the Brotherhood has spoken on the issue.
The group has formerly supported the military council-appointed government of Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri, which is due to remain in place until the end of the transition period.
Badie said his statement was made in response to accusations that the FJP was unwilling to fulfil its responsibility as the largest party in Parliament. He also insisted that the FJP would form a government representing a variety of political parties.
The Brotherhood would not be nominating its own presidential candidate due to fears he would be opposed due to his political affiliation, he said.
The group has not yet declared its preferred presidential candidate.
Commenting on recent legal action against US funded NGOs, Badie said the issue should be left in the judiciary's hands and insisted he had faith in the country's legal system.
The West should respect Egypt's institutions, he added.
Badie spoke whilst casting his vote for the upper house of parliament in his home town of Beni Soueif.
Short link: