Egypt’s long-banned Muslim Brother-hood, which calls for an Islamic state in Egypt, said it intends to form a political party once democracy is established.

Essam el-Erian, a senior leader in the Brotherhood, said the movement would not run any candidate for upcoming presidential elections, acknowledging it would be too controversial.

The Brotherhood is Egypt’s most organized opposition movement, except perhaps for the secular, liberal youth activists who led the protests, though they have not formed a political party.

Generals from the Armed Forces Supreme Council gave indications this week that the Brotherhood can no longer be barred from politics. — ap