CAIRO, March 20 (UPI) -- More than 70,000 signatures were collected across the country in support of nominating Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi as Egyptian president, an advocate said.
Mahmoud Atteya, a coordinator with the Egypt Above All campaign, told the Egyptian Independent news service that post-revolution Egypt needs a military figure to lead the country.
"We asked to meet the field marshal and show him the signatures before we intensify our campaign," he was quoted as saying.
If Tantawi, leader of the interim Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, isn't agreeable to a presidential bid, Atteya said his group would like a recommendation for another military leader.
Egypt from 1952 to the revolution in 2011 was ruled by military leaders. Atteya's group had supported Tantawi since it was formed in October.
Demonstrators in February called for an end to military rule following riots at a soccer stadium in Port Said that left at least 74 people dead.
The registration period for potential president candidates ends April 8. The first post-revolution presidential election is scheduled May 23-24.
Former Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa and former Foreign Minister Ahmed Shafiq are among those who've announced their candidacy.
