Who is Ibrahim Farhat from Midaq Alley and what is their importance?

Ibrahim Farhat is a short, husky, round-faced merchant on Nahasin Street turned politician, running under the Wafd Party banner. Farhat visits Kirsha's Café to seek the owner's influential support. Boys put up colorful posters on walls, but Kamil refuses one as being bad for business. Farhat travels with a retinue, walks self-confidently door to door, greeting people. People stream into Kirsha's Café and the candidate orders a round of tea for all. Farhat claims to be independent while adhering to the principles of Saad Zaghlul, but finds party spirit disruptive, and he intends in Parliament to promote the people's practical needs.