CAIRO - Due to the mounting pressure from different impatient political powers and movements, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) is quickening its pace to transfer power to a new president—no later than on June 30. The SCAF has repeatedly stressed that it would not alter or compromise its pledge under any circumstances. Although no exact date has been announced, presidential hopefuls willing to participate in the race are invited to submit their biographies and credentials to the Higher Presidential Election Commission (HPEC) on March 11 — if they are eligible to assume the most powerful post in Egypt. Before applying to the HPEC, the presidential candidates are required to obtain the support of no less than 30 MPs or 30,000 citizens, including people from at least 15 of Egypt's 27 governorates. The regulations also entitle any political party represented by at least one MP in Parliament to groom one of its members for the highest post in the country. But so far not so good. The writing of the new constitution will take place at the same time as the presidential elections. The task of having a new constitution will be accomplished only after the nation is called to a referendum to endorse it and put it into force. This means that presidential hopefuls will have to run in the elections without the faintest idea about the new President's constitutional powers and limits, his responsibilities, the length of term in office, and so on. This uncertainty could manifest itself in protests, particularly if the new constitution challenged the eligibility of a presidential hopeful in any way. Further, the entire process towards a new President could collapse spectacularly and put the nation back to square one, if any presidential candidate didn't agree with the newly defined roles and taboos of the President as enshrined in the constitution. The protester(s) will not hesitate to challenge the constitutionality of these taboos on the ground that they were endorsed prior to the presidential elections and without the knowledge of the candidates. If this happens – and it could certainly happen – the SCAF and the candidates should share the blame for extending the transitional period.
