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?
