Egypt's Presidential Candidates as of 3 April

Although the final list of candidates will not be announced until 9 April, we have compiled a preliminary list with the assistance of Ahramonline, http://english.ahram.org.eg/Index.aspx

These tidbits of information about each candidate provide insights about Egypt’s future leader and we offer them, begging your indulgence for the brevity and sketchiness.

Hazem Salah Abu-Ismail

Abu-Ismail is a lawyer and influential Islamic preacher, and has emerged as one of the front runners in Egypt’s first post-Mubarak presidential contest.

He is a staunch supporter of the implementation of Islamic Sharia in society but that the community must be ready to accept such Islamic principles. Sharia law would mean that Muslim women must cover their heads (but, presumably, not their faces). He believes that women only enter the workforce out of economic necessity. Abu Ismail would seek to enforce gender segregation at work places, saying sex mingling at the workplace creates intimacy that Egyptian men do not accept.

Amr Moussa

Moussa is a prominent politician and career diplomat, former Arab League secretary-general, who is well known in Egypt, the Arab world and internationally. Moussa's extensive experience in diplomacy and politics makes him a strong candidate. On the other hand, his close association with the Mubarak regime could cause him to lose support of younger revolutionaries and gain support of those who opposed the revolution.

According to Ahramonline, "At 75 years of age, he is seen by many as part of a generation which is past its expiration date and out of touch with the youthful energy asociated with the revolution."

Hamdeed Sabahi

Journalist and poet, Sabahi comes from peasant stock and worked as a fisherman as a young man. He is a former member of the People’s Assembly, and a Nasserist opposition figure, well known for his opposition to the Sadat and Mubarak regimes. His total support for the revolution appeals to the young activists and his peasant background makes him popular among the workers.

He is an outspoken critic of the United States and Israel. According to Ahramonline, "He has said in recent interviews that he would commit the Egyptian government to provide material aid to the Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation."

Ahmed Shafiq

If close association with the Mubarak regime is a plus, then Shafiq would be a sure winner. His name was even suggested as one of Mubarak’s possible successors along with Gamal Mubarak and former head of intelligence, Omar Suleiman. A veteran minister in Mubarak's government, he actually served for 33 days as the last prime minister before Murarak stepped down. He has promised to end the lawlessness in the country and is committed to pro-business policies that appeal to the private sector.

Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh

Formerly a prominent member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Abul-Fotouh served in the Guidance Office, the highest executive office of the Brotherhood from 1987 to 2009. He is a physician active in international relief work, and an Islamic activist with relatively liberal views. These views have given him the support of middle class and younger Brotherhood members. He might be the candidate best suited to bridge the divide between secular and Islamic Egyptians.

Khairat El-Shater

The newest candidate, El-Shater was the surprise nominee of the Muslim Brotherhood, announced on 1 April. The MB had insisted that it would not field a presidential candidate. El-Shater was, until the announcement, the second in command with tremendous power within the organization. He holds great influence over the Brotherhood’s Guidance Bureau and Shura Council, the two highest bodies within the group

A multimillionaire, he was a successful investor of the group’s funds. His Linkedin web page lists him as owner of half a dozen companies in a range of industries. If he wins the presidential election then he will be required by law to disclose his wealth.

In one week’s time, the final official list of candidates will be released by the Election Commission and we’ll provide an update regarding the possible additional candidates. We intend to offer our observations about the candidates and the campaign as it proceeds so please check back!