Egypt candidate: Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh »Profile of Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh, the ex-Muslim Brotherhood leader running as a presidential candidate in Egypt.
By Yolande KnellBBC News, Cairo
Dr Aboul Fotouh is an independent candidate in the presidential race
Egypt candidate: Moderate Islamist, Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh
By Yolande KnellBBC News, CairoDr Aboul Fotouh is an independent candidate in the presidential raceAbdel Moneim Aboul Fatouh was a prominent figure within Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood but was forced to leave after he declared his intention last year to stand for the presidency.
At that stage, the mainstream Islamist group, which was keen to show it did not seek to monopolise the new political scene, had said it would only nominate candidates for the parliamentary vote.
Dr Aboul Fotouh, a respected moderate who is head of the Arab Medical Union, decided to run for office as an independent.
Speaking to a crowd of thousands of supporters after handing in his candidacy papers in early April, he presented a presidential platform focusing on social justice with plans for development and security.
"We can realise our dreams and the co-operation of the great Egyptian people," he said, promising to make use of the country's "most valuable source of wealth", human potential, if elected.
"Let us work as groups, not as individuals, the era of the all-inspiring president and all-knowing leader is over," he added.
His plans include establishing a minimum standard income, restoring security within 100 days of taking office, re-equipping the Egyptian military from sources not funded by the United States and appointing a young vice-president, aged under 45.
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Abdel Moneim Aboul FatouhLet us work as groups, not as individuals, the era of the all-inspiring president and all-knowing leader is over”
The 60-year-old doctor is popular with young Egyptians and uses social media to communicate with them.
He has attracted the support of many Muslim Brotherhood youth who have grown weary of the group's hierarchical structure and hostility to change.
This remains a source of contention with the Brotherhood leadership. It has now put up its own presidential candidate and demands that members of the group support him.
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Egypt MPs back poll ban on Mubarak officials »Legislators ban senior members of Mubarak's government from being president, but military approval is still pending.
Danielle Sharp7:43 AM
+Michael Schobel and everyone else, what are your thoughts on the maintained military control of Egypt?
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Specifics on the happenings in Egypt.
