Presidential candidate Mohamed Selim al-Awa called for popular committees to help police and army forces secure parliamentary elections, speaking at a seminar at Egypt University for Science and Technology Wednesday. "The elections must be supported by forming popular committees to help the police and army secure the election," said Awa. Awa also said authority should be handed to civilians by 2012. He said that gaining parliamentary seats depends on electoral programs and efficiency. Awa said the first file to be presented to parliament after the elections is forming a committee to draft the constitution. This committee must have more powers than military council and the cabinet, he said. The constitution must be formed within six months, and Egypt must restore its regional leading position, he continued. Awa said the economy is the most important issue in Egypt, but it could not be fixed within six months. It may be better after two years, he said.
