Egyptian candidate Ali says he would fight corruption

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CAIRO, May 16 (UPI) -- Egyptian presidential candidate Khaled Ali said if elected, he would fight corruption, foster economic growth and promote labor rights and social justice.

Ali, 40, the youngest candidate in the presidential race, also said he opposes military rule in the country, bikyamasr.com reported.

"Corruption is everywhere in Egypt. I've a certain plan to fight it," he said, adding he would begin by restructuring all local councils "where corruption was invented in Egypt."

Ali and another lawyer have filed a lawsuit in Egypt's Court of Administrative Justice challenging the military's decision ruling to try civilians before military tribunals.

"I decided to pursue the race as a young man, inclined to support the poor, against military rule and with the rights of our martyrs," he said. "I am not afraid, so long as I have the support of all those who dream of freedom, justice and dignity."

Ali said he would also focus on "building regional economic strength with Iran and Turkey to free the region from American domination, reversing corrupt Mubarak-era business deals" and reducing unemployment.

Ali said he would pursue a "mixed economy -- not capitalism, neither a communism. Egypt's economy will be a mix, a partnership of the public, private and cooperative sectors that would prevent price-fixing and monopoly."