Muslim brothers in Egypt call for constitutional reforms

The general Murshid ( guide) for the Ikhwan al-Muslimin (Muslim Brothers) in Egypt, Muhammad Mahdi Akef, said that the movement will support any candidate in whom it sees merit to lead Egypt in the next Presidential elections.

In a press conference at the headquarters of the movement, the general Murshid did not disclose the name of the candidate who will be supported by the Muslim Brothers during the elections. He also did not rule out the Muslim brothers' nomination of a supporter noting that "it is too early to talk about this matter."

The Egyptian president had asked the parliament to amend the constitution so as to permit the election of the president in free elections and between more than one candidate as a change from the current system of electing a president in Egypt used to be by an up-or-down vote referendum on the parliament's choice.

Mubarak has been a president for Egypt since 1981. He also denied any intention to inherit his son the authority, while observers expect he will nominate himself for a fifth term of office.