Egyptian Elections: Sami Anan arrested, contradicted news about Khaled Ali's withdrawal

MENA

Published: 2018-01-23 17:21

Last Updated: 2024-03-25 18:14


Sisi on the right, Anan on the left. (Tasnimnews)
Sisi on the right, Anan on the left. (Tasnimnews)

The retired Egyptian General, Sami Anan, was detained on Tuesday by the military forces, days after he declared his intentions to run for presidency against the current President Abdel Fattah Sisi.

The army said that Anan announced his candidacy “without getting permission from the armed forces” and accused him of failing to formally leave the military before entering politics.

While there was no immediate response from the government, Anan’s campaign confirmed his arrest. “Mr Sami Anan, the presidential candidate, has been arrested,” said Mahmoud Refaat, an Egyptian lawyer and a spokesman for Anan.

The former member of Egypt’s Supreme Military Council for Armed Forces announced his intentions to run for presidency earlier this month, to stand against Sisi and another candidate from the opposition party, Khaled Ali.

Additionally, contradicted news went viral on social media whether Khaled Ali withdrew from the presidency race or not, especially after Anan’s arrest.

However, his campaign dismissed the news and confirmed they will meet late Tuesday to announce their final decision.

Khaled Ali is facing a potential three-month prison sentence, for an alleged rude gesture he made in public last year.

Earlier last month, the former Egyptian Prime Minister, Ahmed Shafiq, withdrew his candidacy, after he was detained in the UAE, where he fled after losing elections in 2012.

On the other hand, Sisi made on Friday his official announcement to confirmed his candidacy for elections 2018, in which he is widely expected to win.

The first round of the presidential elections in Egypt will take place between March 26 and 28, and the second round between April 24 and 26.