Dostour Party President Hala Shukrallah said in an interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm that she resigned on Sunday due to ongoing internal differences, adding that her resignation is final.
Shukrallah denied that Mohamed ElBaradei, the founder of the party, tried to talk her out of this.
She also said that referring her to investigation after her resignation is absurd.
Q: Why did you resign?
A: Due to differences between the candidates competing for president, secretary general and treasurer. Also to give a chance for the young members, who are the majority, to achieve their goals.
Q: What do you think of the Elders Council that has referred you to investigation?
A: An absurd decision.
Q: Are there reasons other than the elections?
A: Some think elections are an end and not a means. This attitude must be changed. Also, we have to learn how to hold dialogues and manage disputes.
Q: Did Mohamed ElBaradei try to talk you out of this?
A: Not ElBaradei, but other colleagues. I told them that my decision is final and was not taken on the spur of the moment.
Q: Do you regret your experience as president of the party?
A: I never regret anything. It had advantages and disadvantages. I went through it with all good intention.
Q: Some members think you should have waited until you hand over to the new president. What do you think?
A: I think my resignation could be a solution for the many differences. I hope the elections will be democratic and not tainted by suspicion so that the party continues to work on achieving the objectives of the January 25 and June 30 revolutions.
Q: Do you think the differences will be resolved?
A: If long term and not short term objectives are set.
Q: How do you evaluate your performance?
A: I am not completely satisfied with it. I had my pros and my cons, but it is up to the members to assess.
