CAIRO: An interim constitution to govern Egypt during its transitional period was announced by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), charged with the country's administration, on Wednesday. The interim constitution consists of 62 articles including the eight articles of the 1971 constitution that were amended through a public referendum on March 19. Under it, the caretaker government of Prime Minister Essam Sharaf and the SCAF will run the country until parliamentary elections are held in September, and presidential elections potentially in October or November. The decree, read by a member of the SCAF, confirmed that the military would hold presidential powers until a new head of state is elected. The interim constitution supersedes the 1971 constitution that was suspended following the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak on February 11. The declaration from Supreme Council of the Armed Forces asserts that Egypt is a democratic country and ensures freedom of religion and opinion, spokesperson Mamdouh Shahin said in a press conference. Parliamentary elections will be held within six months of the announcement of the constitutional referendum's results, and then the Parliament will form a committee to write a new constitution, Shahin said. He also confirmed that the controversial emergency law, in place since the assassination of former president Anwar Sadat thirty years ago, will be lifted ahead of the parliamentary elections slated for September. The declaration included articles stipulating that the president, once elected, will assume command of the armed forces and will also be required to appoint a deputy (Vice President) within 60 days. The council will transfer some of its powers to a new parliament when elected and more of its authority to a president chosen by the people, Shahin said. “Then the new parliament will take powers including legislation. When a new president is elected, he will take over the remaining powers of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.” Under the decree, the council's powers include passing laws, approving the budget and the general polices of the country and signing international treaties, he said. The interim constitution limits the presidential terms to two, and allows wider judicial oversight of elections and fewer restrictions on presidential candidates. It also kept the controversial Article 2, which states that Islam is Egypt's religion, the “principles of the Islamic Sharia are the primary source of legislation,” and Arabic is the Language. Shahin noted that the Declaration bans the establishment of parties based on religion, prevents arrests or detentions without legal basis and ensures freedom of the press as well as freedom of belief and opinion. It also kept another controversial article rejected by several activists, opposition parties and judges, which states that 50 percent of the parliament, which lasts for a five-year term, should consist of workers and farmers. Shahin added that the Shura Council authorities will be very limited under the new interim constitution. BM
