CAIRO - Egypt's military rulers on Wednesday endorsed a package of constitutional amendments adopted in a nationwide referendum, paving the way for parliamentary and presidential elections within months. Critics fear the swift timetable could boost the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood and members of the former ruling party, but the amendments were overwhelming approved by Egyptian voters last week. Wednesday's declaration by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces fills a vacuum left by the suspension of Egypt's constitution following a popular uprising that led to the ouster of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak on Feb. 11. He handed power to the military, which has promised to set the country on the path to democratic reform. It didn't specify a timetable for elections, but the military rulers have said they are eager to hand over power as soon as possible to a civilian government. The amendments eased conditions for independent candidates to run elections and limited presidents to two four-year terms. They also ensured fair and free elections. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Cabinet has proposed a new law that would criminalise some forms of protest. Cabinet spokesman Magdi Radi said the law, if passed, would mean punishment for those involved in protests that stop work or destroy property. He says the Cabinet forwarded the proposal to the military council. It remains unclear when or if the military will adopt the law, which suggests prison terms and fines of up to about $84,000 for violators. The proposal reflects deep fears among Egypt's rulers that continued strikes and protests will hamper economic recovery.
