Baradei withdraws from presidential race

Sources close to Dr. Mohamed el-Baradei stated that he is soon to announce his withdrawal from the Egyptian presidential race, on account of the “existence of a state of constitutional imbalance” and the “prevalence of an atmosphere of deals” among various political powers, in addition to the vast smear campaigns against Baradei. Baradei is expected to hold a meeting on Saturday with the leaders of public opinion, followed by another meeting with the revolution youth, before he issues a press statement through which he is likely to announce his withdrawal from the presidential race. Newly elected parliament member Mostafa el-Naggar, former leader of the National Association for Change, stated that Mohamed el-Baradei will announce his withdrawal from the elections. El-Naggar said through his Twitter page that if Baradei’s decision is final “it must be done in favor of a trustworthy candidate,” describing the impact of such decision on him as “painful”.