With the victory of the Islamists, Egypt would become a religious state

Suleiman warned that the victory of representatives of an Islamist group in the presidential elections would lead to the international isolation of Egypt.

The candidacy of a representative of the Muslim Brotherhood, which became one of the strongest political forces in the country after the overthrow of Mubarak, "surprised" the Egyptians, Suleiman said, since they had previously said that they would not have their own presidential candidate.

For two days, the parliament has been debating a draft law that would strip senior Mubarak regime officials of their political rights, including voting and running for office, for 10 years.

If the parliament were to adopt the law, and the military authorities ratified it, Suleiman would not be able to participate in the elections, scheduled for May 23 and 24.

In an interview with the weekly El-Fagr, Suleiman said that almost half of the parliamentary seats already belong to the Muslim Brotherhood and that, if they win the presidential elections, they would control all state institutions.

"If Egypt falls under the rule of Islamist groups, it will fall into isolation and its people will not be able to communicate with others," Suleiman said.

His aides said they collected more than 100.000 signatures for his candidacy in two days, nearly four times more than needed.

Support for Suleiman has grown among liberal and moderate Egyptians who fear Islamists, while others believe his victory would mean the return of the old regime.