Egyptian former armed forces commander Sami Anan’s announcement that he will run for presidency returned the Muslim Brotherhood back to political debates in the country, nearly five years after former President Mohammed Morsi was ousted from power. One of Anan’s aides and his spokesman, Dr. Hazzem Hosni told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Brotherhood sees in the former military commander’s candidacy an opening to return to the scene or at least a positive development in its favor. He denied however that contacts had been made with the banned group, which Egyptian authorities deem as terrorist. Anan had announced his candidacy on Saturday hours after President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said that he was seeking re-election in the March polls. Anan’s announcement was positively received in Islamic circles in Egypt, especially among the Brotherhood, in a hope that he may introduce change in the current situation in the country. The former commander said that he would form a civilian presidential team should he be elected president. The team would include aide Hisham Juneina and Hosni, who are close to the Brotherhood and among Sisi’s fiercest opponents. Juneina was appointed during Morsi’s term as chief of the audit bureau. He was removed by Sisi in 2016. Hosi meanwhile is a prominent opposition figure and frequent guest on pro-Brotherhood satellite television stations. The Muslim Brotherhood has not yet made an official stance on the presidential elections.