MB confirms participation in elections despite anticipated rigging

MB confirms participation in elections despite anticipated rigging

Egypt‘s popular opposition group the Muslim Brotherhood has confirmed that 12 of its 14 candidates have been approved to run for the upcoming Shura elections scheduled for June 1

 
Although officials claim that voting will be free and fair, analysts are skeptical arguing that chances are slim as the Brotherhood’s rivals from the ruling National Democratic Party and security forces will work to prevent them winning votes
 
The election committee approved a total of 490 candidates from the NDP ruling party which will renew 88 of the 264 seats in the mid-term elections. MB members ran as independents in order to secure seats. If in fact, they do secure seats it will be an unprecedented victory regarding the Shura council. The government reported that two MB candidates were rejected for failing to complete military service, however this was denied by the MB
 
Although voter turnout is usually low for the Shura elections the regime uses these elections as a measure for events which may take place during the parliamentary elections where members of the MB group have acquired 88 seats totaling one fifth of the country’s parliament.