Leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) opposition movement Haytham Abu Khalil recently urged members of the MB’s authoritative Guidance Bureau to convene a conference with the aim of discussing the group’s internal problems–not least of which are the reservations voiced by some MB members over recent bureau elections.
"This is a democratic way to allow the group’s rank and file to communicate with their leaders," said Abu Khalil, pointing out that MB founder Hassan el-Banna had held regular gatherings at which the group’s internal problems were discussed and debated. "The MB leadership shouldn’t take decisions without first consulting its grassroots membership."
Among the matters Abu Khalil has posited for discussion at the proposed meeting is the relationship between the group’s religious role and its perceived political role.
Bureau member Mohamed el-Katatni, however, rejected the proposal. "We don’t have any problems to discuss in the first place," said el-Katatni.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
