Mohamed Badi, senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood guidance bureau, has taken over as head of the party after former leader Mahdi Akef came to the end of his term Wednesday.
The move was considered by many to be a clear indication that Badi would be Akef's permanent successor, even though the Brotherhood has postponed declaring its new leader on the party’s official website.
The new leader was elected from the party’s shura council, following widely disputed Guidance Office elections that saw some senior members quit.
Akef’s departure comes at a time when many experts believe the Brotherhood is “at the mouth of a volcano”. Experts think the conservative wing is likely to dominate the Brotherhood; this is further enforced by prominent resignations.
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