Islamist powers in Egypt toughened their stance Wednesday against the draft constitutional principles document, threatening an open-ended sit-in after a mass demonstration planned for Friday 18 November. Deputy Prime Minister Ali al-Selmy proposed the controversial draft document in a meeting with different political powers on 1 November — Islamists were absent from the meeting. The document is a product of months-long discussions. After the March constitutional referendum determined that the new constitution would be drafted by a constituent assembly selected by the next parliament, secular forces feared that an Islamist-led parliament would select drafters who seek an Islamic state. The document was also widely criticized by many political groups and observers for the far-reaching powers it granted the armed forces, prompting Selmy to amend the draft last week. Islamists warned Wednesday of a “strong reaction” if the government ignores their demands to withdraw the document. Jama'a al-Islamiya announced it would provide buses to bring members to Tahrir square, including those from Upper Egypt, and would provide accomodation for them to spend the night in the square in the event of an open-ended sit-in. Jama'a al-Islamiya spokesperson Assem Abdel Maged anticipates a sit-in after the mass protest planned for 18 November, saying that the committee organizing the protest didn't call for a sit-in, but also didn't rule it out. The legal adviser of the Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, Ahmed Abu Baraka, announced his party's participation in the demonstration, saying the group would demand that the government be removed if the document is adopted. Salafis will also take part in the demonstration. Basem al-Zarqa, a prominent Salafi Nour party leader, accused Selmy of “hijacking people's will,” adding that Salafis from all governorates would protest for Selmy's removal. The leftist Wafd party, the Tagammu Party, the National Association for Change and other groups announced they will not participate in the protest. National Association for Change Coordinator Abdel Galil Mostafa slammed Islamists, accusing those who call for the Friday protest of seeking only their own interests. Translated from the Arabic Edition
