Muslim Brotherhood rallies support in row with army

Published on 20/06/2012 01:40

Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has said it does not want a confrontation with the army after claiming victory in presidential elections.

The campaign of Ahmed Shafiq, the former military man who was in the run-off against the Brotherhood’s Mohammed Morsi, has also claimed victory in the race. Official results from the weekend vote are not expected until tomorrow.

The ruling army council, which took control when former president Hosni Mubarak was driven from office last year, issued an 11th-hour decree late on Sunday assuming legislative powers until a new parliament is elected, and keeping control of army affairs.

Thousands of Egyptians gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square and outside the parliament building yesterday to protest against the army’s decree. Protesters also gathered in Egypt’s second city of Alexandria. Earlier, the Brotherhood called for a mass rally.

“We do not seek any confrontation with anyone and no-one in Egypt wants confrontation,” said Yasser Ali, spokesman for Mr Morsi’s campaign. “There has to be dialogue between national forces, and the people alone must decide their fate,” he told reporters, but added: “Nobody in Egypt is above the state and the constitution – Everyone must abide by the popular will.”