Al-Shater, Muslim Brotherhood (MB) Deputy Chairman said, "Most of the Egyptian people realize that the Brotherhood’s stance on the political scene is based on a comprehensive vision and a good read of each and every situation, with all its aspects and perspectives".
Al-Shater said in an interview with Al-Jazeera’s Ahmed Mansour in the “Bila Hodood” (Without Borders) TV program, Wednesday evening, "The people and national stakeholders embrace the march of the revolution and its objectives through two important things: First, establishing a new political structure to replace the ousted Mubarak regime’s. This is reflected in the presidential elections, the formation of the government, positive performance of Parliament, drafting the new Constitution, and the peaceful circulation of ruling power. The second thing is: achieving progress, a real renaissance for Egypt and a decent life for all Egyptians, who have suffered so much under successive brutal regimes for decades".
"This requires us to seek for construction, to fully meet the demands of the revolution, and to guard it against those who threaten it, both from interest groups or former regime cronies, chums and certain businessmen who plot for organized chaos", Al-Shater added.
The MB Deputy Chairman asserted that, "We never accuse demonstrators of betrayal or treason. In fact, we strongly support their rights of expression and demonstration. But we certainly stand against systematic acts of sabotage already witnessed in this homeland – the most recent of which was the Port Said massacre – and which can be repeated". He pointed out that, "There are revolutionaries, and there are saboteurs taking advantage of revolutionary energies, setting ambushes for the revolution, and dragging us into sub-battles that restrict its vitality and progress".
"Dealing with the demonstrators violently is a mistake, a sign of weakness and mismanagement by the Ministry of Interior", he added.
The Brotherhood’s Deputy Chairman stressed that, "In such circumstances, we do not agree on the continuation of the Government of Ganzouri. Rather, we must start the formation of a coalition government immediately, to deal in particular with the economic situation and the state of lawlessness in this homeland. But we must also expedite the formation of local councils and the election of governors for all provinces".
Al-Shater affirmed that the next government will not be limited to the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the Brotherhood’s political wing; that all currents who won seats in parliament must be represented; and that it should be made up of technocrats and professionals capable of improving the efficiency of the whole country at large. He pointed that Dr. Mohamed Morsi, FJP Chairman, recently expressed the readiness of the party to form a coalition government.
Al-Shater ruled out the possibility of a repeat of the 1954 events, when the army took over the revolution, pointing out that the January 25 revolution is more of a popular revolt, not a Muslim Brotherhood revolution, and that the people will not accept a reproduction of the Mubarak regime again, "the descent of millions of people in the ‘liberty squares’ of the revolution are the biggest guarantee for the non-recurrence of military control again. We’ve clearly illustrated and underlined the importance of power handover to civilians".
With respect to the presidential election, Al-Shater said, "We will not nominate anyone for the presidency from the Muslim Brotherhood. And we will decide which candidate we endorse and support after the closing date for declarations of presidential candidacy, after studying candidates’ programs".
Al-Shater denied any possibility that there could be a ‘hidden’ candidate from the Muslim Brotherhood, saying, "We expect that there will be new characters and other candidates".
In response to a question about the qualities and qualifications of the new President, Al-Shater said, "We seek a civilian president, since the mood of the Egyptian public is against any military figure at the hem. He must also have the ability to manage the affairs of the country. He must not be in any way associated with the previous regime. And he must not be against Islamic leanings". Then, he added, "There is no agreement between us and the military to endorse any candidate, and there will not be".