Al Baradei wants broad alliance

Egypt's top reform leader Mohammad Al Baradei has called for the formation of a broad coalition of political forces, including the Islamists, to contest the first elections since the removal of President Hosni Mubarak. Tuesday's call by the Nobel Peace laureate, whose supporters were credited as a key force behind Egypt's uprising, reflected growing concerns of liberal groups about a big win for the well-organised Islamists, especially the Muslim Brotherhood. That would give the Islamists power to control the drafting of a new constitution. "We don't have the luxury today to enter into fierce competition between the different streams, especially when we are building the house from the start," Al Baradei told a news conference. "I talked today and before about the need for a national coalition. At this stage, there must be a parliament that represents all Egyptian forces." No date has been set for parliamentary elections, but they are expected before the end of the year, followed by a presidential vote. Sharp divisions The political factions and military rulers who replaced Mubarak in February are sharply divided over how to proceed with the transition to democracy. A broad coalition of the political forces that worked to oust Mubarak could also be a response to growing fears that former regime figures may make a strong showing in the vote under a new election law which leaves room for vote buying. Al Baradei, a potential presidential candidate, also appealed to the military rulers to reverse their rejection of international monitors for the elections. "I don't know of any democratic country that rejects international monitors," he said.