Rights lawyer Khaled Ali held a public rally Friday in his hometown in Dakahliya as part of his campaign for the Egyptian presidency.

Thousands of Dakahliya citizens attended the rally, welcoming the 41-year-old longtime rights activist and lawyer. Ali discussed the primary aspects of his electoral campaign.

Ali has held senior positions in prominent legal rights offices such as the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights and the Hisham Mubarak Law Centre.

Ali announced his intention to run for president in late February, surprising many and stirring concerns that his bid might fragment votes among Egypt's revolutionaries.

The period for filing candidacy applications opened Saturday, remaining open until 8 April, according to Egypt's Higher Presidential Elections Commission.

Presidential elections will be held 23-24 May, with results to be announced 21 June.