Egypt Holds First Presidential Debate

Two leading candidates in this month’s presidential election in Egypt have taken part in the country’s first presidential debate.

Former foreign minister Amr Moussa squared off against Abdel-Moneim Abolfotoh, a moderate Islamist who broke with the once-banned Muslim Brotherhood last year.

Groups of Egyptians gathered in cafes to watch the debate, which lasted past midnight, and aired on several private television channels.

At one point, Abolfotoh criticized Moussa for being part of the government of former President Hosni Mubarak, saying “the one who created the problem cannot solve it.” “We revolted against this regime,” Abolfotoh quipped.

Moussa said Abolfotoh “used to defend the positions of the Muslim Brotherhood,” instead of Egyptian interests.

The two men are among 13 candidates vying for the presidency in elections that begin on May 23.

The winner will be the country’s first leader since a popular uprising led to Mubarak’s abrupt resignation in 2011