Egyptian Presidency Says Muslim Brotherhood Can Contest Elections

Following the ouster of Egypt’s president Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood movement can take part in new elections, a spokesman from the interim presidency said on Saturday.

The group, which Morsi hails from, has been protesting nationwide since the removal of the president on Wednesday and has vowed further protests.

Seen as an effort to calm tensions and diffuse protests which have turned deadly in recent days, the presidency spokesman said the nation was “extending a hand” to the Brotherhood.

“We extend our hand to everyone, everyone is a part of this nation,” the spokesman told reporters, according to Reuters. “The Muslim Brotherhood has plenty of opportunities to run for all elections including the coming presidential elections or the ones to follow.”

Meanwhile, the military says it has a political roadmap to guide the country to new elections following its removal of Morsi, but has yet to set a date.

Egyptian activists on Saturday circulated an online video showing what appeared to be Islamist supporters of ousted president Mohammad Morsi throwing two young men off a building during clashes in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria.

On Friday, clashes between opponents and supporters of Morsi flared in Egypt, killing at least 46 people nationwide, with the heaviest death toll registered in Alexandria.