Egypt’s former presidential candidate Amr Moussa and the last secretary general of the formerly ruling National Democratic Party Hossam Badrawi withdrew their candidacy from the presidential elections scheduled to start its preparatory work in February 2018. On the other hand, an Egyptian military court sentenced a colonel to six years in prison on Tuesday after he announced plans to stand in the 2018 presidential election, his lawyer said. Ahmed Konsowa was given the jail term for "stating political opinions contrary to the requirements of military order", his lawyer said. Egypt’s Former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik hinted also for the second time his desire to exit the upcoming presidential race. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Shafik said that he stands in full support of national stability. He highlighted the presence of true state intentions for countering terrorism—a mission he said demands nationwide decisive unity. Shafik also positively reviewed a ‘healthy’ internal front which can stand against future dangers. In a speech he delivered in November from the United Arab Emirates, Shafik said announced his intentions to run for elections in light of Egypt suffering “many problems breaching all aspects of life and which have led to the collapse or deterioration of all public services.” Shafik also campaigned against the frightening growth on national debt. The Egyptian Constitution stipulates that the president shall be elected for a term of four years, beginning on the day following the expiry of his predecessors term, and may be re-elected only once. Election procedures begin before the end of the term of the Presidency at least with 120 days, and the result should be announced at least 30 days before the acting president’s term comes to an end. In June 2014, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi officially assumed office as president --this means that presidential elections should be scheduled to take place in February 2018. Elections will be held and the results will be announced by May of the same year.