CAIRO: Egypt's Supreme Council of Armed Forces agreed to amend election laws on Saturday, after political parties threatened to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections. According to the new procedures, elections will be based fully on a proportional party list system. Activists and political parties believe that this system is the most fair and transparent. The military rulers also reported that they would halt Egypt's controversial emergency law during elections, and swore that they would end military trials for civilians. The also reported that they will consider implementing a ban that would prevent former National Democratic Party (NDP) officials of the ousted Hosni Mubarak regime from running as candidates in elections for the next ten years. The decision came after a meeting on Saturday between officials from the military council and members of Egypt's Democratic Coalition, which represents many of Egypt's political groups including the Muslim Brotherhood and the Wafd Party. On Friday, thousands flocked to Cairo's Tahrir Square to demand amended election procedures, an end to emergency law, an end to military trials, and a speedy transition to civillian rule, among other calls. The army forcibly evacuated protesters from the square on Friday night, injuring many and arresting dozens. Protesters had planned to stay in the square until their demands were met. BM
