CAIRO: Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood named a conservative as its new leader on Saturday, suggesting that Egypt’s biggest opposition group may lower its political profile and focus on a social agenda.
Mohamed Badeea’s appointment followed a heated debate between conservatives wary of stepping up political activities and many from a younger generation seeking more political activism.
The Brotherhood is officially banned but grudgingly tolerated by the state, and took about a fifth of the seats in Parliament in 2005 by fielding candidates as independents.
Badeea, 66, who like many Brotherhood members has been arrested in the past, is a member of the group’s 16-member governing body. In an internal election to the body last month, conservatives secured most seats.
“Mohamed Badeea has been chosen by majority vote by the Shura Council as the new leader,” Mohamed Mahdi Akef, the former leader, in his 80s, who stepped down this month, told a news conference.
The Shura Council has more than 100 members.
Reform-minded members, mostly from a younger generation, are pushing for more engagement in Egyptian politics, but also want internal changes, such as giving women and young people more representation.
“With such a conservative leadership in place, they (the Brotherhood) no longer have the power to inspire Egyptian society politically at grassroot level,” political analyst Khalil El-Anani said before Saturday’s announcement.
Analysts said that, under its new leadership, the Brotherhood is likely to focus on its agenda of social and charitable work, which includes building and running hospitals.
“We may see development in terms of social grassroots work, but not much is expected on the political front,” said political analyst Diaa Rashwan.
