9 April 2012 Last updated at 10:28 ET

Ex-spy chief's presidential bid exercises Egypt's press

Suleiman's candidacy shakes up an already heated presidential race

The Egyptian press is exercised by the presidential election bid of former intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, who submitted his papers 20 minutes before the deadline for applications on Sunday.

Some commentators see Gen Suleiman's role in the former government of Hosni Mubarak as conflicting with his ambition to be president of a post-revolution Egypt. Others call on the candidates to focus on rebuilding the country.

Beyond Egypt, a commentator in the United Arab Emirates suggests that the election may have a surprise winner, while a Jordanian writer is outraged by Gen Suleiman's candidacy.

Al-Sayyid Musa in opposition Al-Wafd

"The truth that is clear to everyone is that the 77-year-old deposed Vice-President, Omar Suleiman, is a loyal son of the [former] regime. He spent his life torturing and threatening Egyptians and whoever stood in his way... Is this the person that the people want as an Egyptian president?"

Hazim al-Bablawi in pro-government Al-Ahram

"All of them are presenting their programmes for reforms with captivating promises that would make Egypt a heaven on earth... What we need right now are calls for hard work and effort. Hopes on their own do not satisfy hunger."

Editorial in pro-government Al-Jumhuriyah

"Egypt after the 25 January revolution deserves a new president with innovative ideas and foresight that differ from those of the past. The new president should have a will that does not give up on uniting national ranks with a view to winning the difficult battle of rebuilding the country."

Hamdi Qandil in privately-owned Al-Misri al-Yawm

"Whether Suleiman has a platform for ruling or not, we do not need it. We know very well this is the programme which Mubarak ruled with for the last 30 years... If Suleiman rules, the revolution will explode anew."

Fahmi Huwaidi in privately-owned Al-Shuruq al-Jadid

"It is really tragic and comic at the same time that one of the aides whom the revolution started to bring down comes at the end of the day to save the revolution."

Khayri Mansur in the UAE's privately-owned, leftist Al-Khalij

"Although the last-minute surprise was the registration of Omar Suleiman - one of the most prominent figures of the former regime - the surprise of the 25th hour will be the announcement of the winning presidential candidate, who might not be among the names that are currently being discussed in the media and by the public."

Hamdan al-Haj in Jordan's privately-owned, pro-government Al-Dustur

"How can any person in his right mind believe that the last vice-president during dictatorship, oppression, torture and humiliation is the same person even thinking of defying [people's] calls and returning to become president of post-revolution Egypt?"

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