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CAIRO — Sami Balah, the secretary-general of the Arabism Egypt Party headed by Sami Anan, a former general, announced Jan. 11 that Anan will run for president.
The announcement sparked controversy in political circles due to Anan’s military background, which is similar to that of former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq. Shafiq, who served under former President Hosni Mubarak, withdrew his candidacy after being deported from the United Arab Emirates to Egypt. Also sharing this military background is President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Shafiq was a lieutenant general and Sisi served as field marshal.
