Egypt presidential hopeful wants Sharia law-based constitution

Cairo, May 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Egypt's constitution should be based on the Quran and the Islamic Sharia law, presidential candidate from the Muslim Brotherhood Mohamed Morsi said.

"The Quran is our constitution, the Prophet is our leader, jihad is our path and death in the name of Allah is our goal," Morsi said in an election speech to Cairo University students.

Today Egypt was close as never before to the triumph of Islam at all state levels, he said.

"Today, we can establish Sharia law because our nation will acquire well-being only with Islam and Sharia. The Muslim Brothers and the Freedom and Justice Party will be the conductors of these goals," he said.

The Muslim Brotherhood group had been banned in Egypt for decades before being legalised following the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak in last year's uprising, and has since emerged as a powerful political force.

The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for May 23-24. The presidential campaign started April 30 and finishes at midnight May 21.

The president will be elected for a four-year term.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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