CAIRO: Prominent Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei called for the formation of a Presidential Council is the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), currently charged with the country's administrations, insists on handing over power after six months to a civilian president. ElBaradei's remarks were broadcasted via Twitter on Saturday. He said this is the only solution to pave the way for real democracy in Egypt, adding that Egyptians cannot be captives to the “time factor.” “Building a genuine democracy more important than artificial deadline,” he tweeted. “Rushed parliamentary elections in absence of right to establish parties will result in unrepresentative parliament,” he said, adding, “Even with amendments, elections will take place under flawed constitution. New constitution must precede all elections. Why the rush?” During a meeting with the SCAF, ElBaradei warned that holding parliamentary elections before presidential elections, with restrictions on the formation of political parties, will lead to a parliament that does not represent the people. The meeting, which included Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa, prominent Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris, and Ahmed Zuweil, was held on Wednesday. In related news, the SCAF announced that the referendum on constitutional amendments will be held on March 19, parliamentary elections in June, and presidential elections in August. Opposition forces argue that this time frame is likely to favor the Muslim Brotherhood and members of the formerly ruling National Democratic Party. BM
