First Egyptian female presidential hopeful

Ashgan Ahmed al-Bukhari, an Egyptian lawyer, received her application forms Monday for the coming presidential election due on September 7. She is the first woman to apply for the top post. She is married with three children.

Bukhari has received all application forms including a recommendation form to be signed by 250 members of the People's Assembly, Shura Council and local councils.

Counselor Osama Atawiya, the spokesman for the Egyptian presidential election committee, said the number of candidates who applied for the race since Friday morning till late Monday reached 14, including nine candidates representing political parties and five independents.

In statements to MENA, he said the committee received Monday papers of Hussein Ragab Rehan of the Labor Party and other independents.