Statements by Major General Mokhtar al-Mulla, a member of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), that the upcoming parliament will not be representative of all Egyptians, have infuriated the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafi Nour Party. Both groups won 68 percent of parliamentary seats in the first phase of Egypt's elections. In response, the Freedom and Justice Party announced its withdrawal from SCAF's proposed advisory council. Emad Abdel Ghafour, head of the Nour Party, objected, along with some other parties in the council, to the Mulla's statements. Other parties have objected to the election results, contending that they are unfair, while SCAF confirmed its satisfaction with the electoral process and denied interference. Ghafour said the Egyptian people have chosen their representatives. The Nour Party will continue inside the council, as it heavily influences SCAF's decisions, Ghafour added. Ramadan Omar, a Freedom and Justice Party representative, said the parliament represents the people and therefore must have a hand in drafting the new constitution. Yossri Hammad, a Nour Party spokesperson, criticized Mulla's statements and told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the people have elected their representatives. He demanded that the military return to its barracks when the People's Council, Egypt's lower house of parliament, first convenes. Parliament members must not be marginalized by the military, as they were chosen by the people, he said. He added that if the army continues to interfere in Egypt's political affairs, military rule in Egypt will never end. The liberal and secular parties will regret supporting statements by Mulla, he added. Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
