CAIRO: Norway on Monday urged the ruling military junta to continue the democratic process and transition to civilian rule. It comes as fears are growing in Egypt that the military is taking complete control of the country, despite a presidential run-off that ended on Sunday to elect a new president. The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohamed Morsi has claimed victory over old regime loyalist Ahmed Shafiq, although the electoral commission in Egypt said final and official results will not be released until Thursday. “Democratization in Egypt is now in a critical phase. It is important that power is transferred to a democratically elected civilian government and that the democratic process is continued," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre. On Thursday, the Egyptian High Constitutional Court called for the dissolution of the parliament. “Developments in Egypt after the fall of Mubarak highlight the major challenges the country faces in its efforts to establish a stable and democratic government. Egypt's success in this endeavor is vital for the prospects of democracy in the Middle East," said Støre. “It is very important that the election proceeds peacefully and fairly," he added. Norway has been one of the main contributors to the Carter Center's observation of the elections in Egypt since the upheavals last year.
