ElBaradei’s political reform campaign continues rounds on the road

Potential candidate, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, affirmed his intentions to continue his campaign calling for constitutional amendments during a tour of numerous governorates in Egypt . His next stop is expected to be in the city of Mehalla in response to a bid by workers who claimed that Mubarak avoided visiting the city because of its large population of angry workers.  

The former IAEA chief met with activists and labor leaders from Mehalla, Suez , Tanta and Shebin el-Kom and called on them to boycott the upcoming elections. Other topics discussed included measures to increase the minimum workers’ wages, and improving current services offered to the employees. Activists and leaders from the Tagammu Party discussed with ElBaradei a project titled “Together for Independent Trade Unions“

In a related issue, members of the Independent Campaign to Support ElBaradei for the Presidency have quit the campaign, claiming that Abdul Rahman Youssef, the campaign’s rapporteur, has been dominating the running of the campaign creating a barrier between ElBaradei and the youth.

Abdul Halim Qandil, general coordinator for the pro-democracy coalition Kefaya, said he has not yet met  ElBaradei however intends to engage in dialogue between Kefaya and ElBaradei’s pro-reform coalition the National Association for Change.

ElBaradei’s campaign has met challenges which have apparently continued with his supporters abroad being arrested in Kuwait and deported to Egypt in what has been described as intervention in Egypt ‘s sovereignty. Ashraf Tharwat one of ElBaradei’s supporters was arrested on arrival to Egypt officials however assert that he was arrested on account of an invalid cheque.