Egyptian opposition leader ElBaradei ends presidential bid

Egyptian opposition leader ElBaradei ends presidential bid

2012-01-15 07:55:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO (BNO NEWS) -- Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei on Saturday withdrew from the presidential race ahead of the revolution's first anniversary, the Al-Ahram daily newspaper reported.

The former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that he made the decision in protest of the country's military rule. He said his decision does not mean a complete withdrawal from the political scene, but that he will continue serving society "outside any positions of power, freed from all the chains."

"My conscience will not allow me to nominate myself to the presidency or any formal position without the presence of a real democratic framework that uses the essence of democracy, not just its image," ElBaradei said, adding that he feels that "the [Mubarak] regime has not fallen yet."

Some observers believe ElBaradei chose to withdraw due to the decreasing popular support. ElBaradei used to enjoy wide support among Egyptians and was dubbed the "godfather" of the revolution for defying Mubarak's regime and predicting its fall in 2011, according to Al-Ahram.

Recently, the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest political group, retracted its support for him without a declared reason. In addition, ElBaradei's recent stances on the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has left many believing that his prospects of winning were low as it was unlikely the military would allow it.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner has recently been outspoken about rights violations which allegedly happened during recent clashes between the military and protesters. He also frequently condemned the use of violence by the police and the military as well as putting civilians before military trials.

Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in June. The military council has been running Egypt since President Hosni Mubarak was ousted last year during a revolution.

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