Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood has named Mohamed Badeea as new leader
Badeea’s appointment followed a heated debate between conservatives wary of stepping up political activities that have already triggered repression from the state and many from a younger generation seeking more political activism.

The Brotherhood, which seeks to introduce Islamic rule by democratic means, is officially banned but took about a fifth of the seats in parliament in 2005 by fielding candidates as independents.

Since then, and with 81-year-old President Hosni Mubarak due to step down or stand for re-election in 2011, the state has been squeezing the Brotherhood out of mainstream politics, often arresting activists and holding them for weeks without charge.

Together with the appointment of a more cautious leader, this is likely to mean less representation for the Brotherhood after the next parliamentary election, due this year.

Reform-minded members, mostly from a younger generation, are pushing for more engagement in Egyptian politics, at the risk of angering the state, but also want internal changes, such as giving women and young people more representation.

The Brotherhood renounced violence decades ago.   »»» WORLD BULLETIN (Turkey)

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