Mohamed El-Baradei
Mohamed El-BaradeiReuters

Mohamed ElBaradei has not yet been chosen as Egypt’s interim prime minister, a presidential spokesman said on Saturday, after earlier reports indicated that the former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had already been appointed.

“Interim president Adly Mansour met today with Dr. ElBaradei but so far there has been no official appointment,” presidential advisor Ahmed al-Muslimani was quoted by Al Arabiya as having told reporters.

He added, however, that ElBaradei was “the logical choice” among a list of names being considered in the wake of the military’s ouster on Wednesday of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi.

Authorities said there were several options for the position of prime minister and acknowledged that there had been strong opposition to the possible appointment of ElBaradei, according to Al Jazeera.

Mohamad Elmasry, a professor at the American University of Cairo, told Al Jazeera it was possible the announcement had been made by state media to "gauge reaction" to the appointment.

"He is not a popular figure here, even though he is known to the West," Elmasy said.

"He is not going to appease the pro-Morsi supporters, but revolutionary figures are also disappointed in him."

Discussions over who should become prime minister came as the Muslim Brotherhood staged a new show of force in Cairo's Nasr City district to demand that the military restore Morsi, after dozens of people died and hundreds more were injured in 24 hours of violence.

Also on Saturday, the presidential spokesman said the Muslim Brotherhood would be able to take part in new elections.

"We extend our hand to everyone, everyone is a part of this nation," al-Muslamani told reporters, according to Al Jazeera.

"The Muslim Brotherhood has plenty of opportunities to run for all elections including the coming presidential elections or the ones to follow."