Sisi vows to defend Egypt, Islam ahead of TV appearance

Egyptian presidential candidate Abdel Fattah El-Sisi vowed during a meeting with members of the Sufi community in Egypt to protect all citizens and Islam if he were to be named the next head of state.

Sisi’s comments, carried by Ahram Online Sunday, came only a day after the former Army commander launched his presidential campaign on Twitter with the hashtag “Long Live Egypt.” Sisi is set to give a live interview to two private television stations Monday, in his first TV appearance since announcing his candidacy in March.

According to Ahram Online report, Sisi acknowledged that Egypt was going through a difficult period but vowed to tackle the crisis of children living on the streets.

The former army commander also said he could not remain silent when he witnessed the fears spurred by Muslim Brotherhood rule.

The Sufi delegation expressed support for Sisi and awareness of the economic and the political issues facing Egypt.

In a video published by his campaigners on YouTube Saturday, Sisi blamed “hardline religious rhetoric” for negatively affecting tourism in Egypt, one of the country’s major sectors.

The presidential election, scheduled for May 26-27, will pit Sisi against leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahi, who also launched his presidential campaign Saturday.

Sabahi launched his campaign in Asyut, in the south of Egypt, saying he chose the location because he hopes to eliminate poverty and unemployment as well as end policies favoring development in the capital.

Sabahi’s other election promises include keeping the military out of politics and abolishing a divisive law that bans protests that are not approved by police.