Sabahi won't run for Egypt presidency without NSF support

In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, head of the Wafd Party and leading figure in the National Salvation Front (NSF) Sayyid al-Badawi expressed his hope that the female members of the Saba al-Sobh Movement — who were arrested during a peaceful protest in Alexandria and sentenced to 11 years in prison on Nov. 27 — will be dealt with on the basis of mercy before justice, their release will take place as soon as possible and they will not be put in the same cells as female criminals, so as to preserve their dignity. Badawi revealed that Hamdeen Sabahi cannot run for presidential elections before winning the trust of the NSF, and if he cannot get this trust, he will not run on his own. Badawi affirmed that the aid granted to Egypt — whether from Arab countries, Europe or the United States — is a way to return the favor, as Egypt is not waiting for handouts from any party. He pointed out that Ethiopia, following the January 25 Revolution, asked the popular diplomatic delegation in the Wafd Party to ensure Egypt’s participation in constructing and managing the Renaissance Dam. Things, however, grew complicated when deposed President Mohammed Morsi assumed power.

Al-Monitor:  A recent Zogby poll showed that the NSF’s popularity among Egyptians has significantly dropped — decreased by 9% since May 2013. In your opinion, what was the mistake the NSF made that led to this slump?

Badawi:  The NSF has played a major role in toppling the former regime. It was formed to fend off the corruption of the old regime and protest against the tyrannical constitutional declaration. The NSF has started an important struggle, which reached a zenith during the June 30 protests. All political powers, in addition to the Egyptian people and the average citizens who were not concerned with political work, allied to topple the regime. The NSF, however, has ceased its work since June 30, because the current government is transitional and the NSF is not performing the role of an opposition [party]. Rather, the NSF is trying to preserve stability, since the stability of the government means the stability of the country. Subsequently, the role of the NSF will begin with the upcoming parliamentary elections. Also, the role of the NSF was rather significant in the drafting of the new constitution, because the latter reflects the role it played. A large number of NSF members are represented in the 50-member committee charged with drafting the constitution.

When it comes to the Wafd Party, its popularity will not decrease. In fact, no polls were conducted concerning the party. The Wafd Party works on its own, while the decisions of the NSF are consensual. We, however, carry out our popular and political activities separately from the NSF. Our popularity therefore did not drop, and there were no polls in this regard.