ElBaradei pulls out of prez race

Mohamed ElBaradei, a leading contender for Egyptian presidential race, abruptly withdrew his candidacy in protest over the military’s continued grip on power, saying there is “no real democracy” even after the ouster of former strongman Hosni Mubarak.

Declaring there is still no real political change in the country, ElBaradei, 69, said in a statement, “My conscience does not allow me to run for the presidency or any other official position unless there is real democracy.”

Elbaradei, who had played a significant role in January revolution last year, said a fair election would not be possible under the military’s grip. The former IAEA chief said he had taken his decision in protest at the way Egypt’s military rulers governed “as though no revolution had taken place”.