El Baradei Bows Out of Egyptian Presidential Race

Mohamed ElBaradei, citing a lack of democratic mechanisms in his country, has withdrawn from Egypt’s presidential race.

The former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement that “the previous regime” was still running the country, and that the lack of a real democratic system was the reason for his withdrawal. Some political commentators have speculated that the withdrawal had more to do with a lack of real popular support. Either way, ElBaradei’s decision is sure to shake up the political scene in Egypt.