Mursi orders parliament to re-convene, defies military council
Newly elected Egyptian President, Mohammed Mursi has ordered the countries disbanded parliament to reconvene, after the military council dissolved the legislature.
A month ago, the then de-facto Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), led by Field Marshall Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, cited constitutional violations in the election of at least one third of parliamentary members. President Muris has called on the Islamist dominated parliament to reconvene, until a new round of legislative elections is held.
SCAF’s dissolving of the country’s parliament came ahead of the presidential elections, which seen Muslim Brotherhood candidate, Mohammed Mursi, defeating former Mubarak-era prime minister and cabinet member, Ahmed Shafiq in a run-off vote.
According to the military council, Islamist candidates contested seats in last year’s legislative elections, which were reserved for independent candidates.
SCAF officials have confirmed that the council held an emergency meeting in response to the presidential decree; however an official response or action has yet to be decided, with another meeting scheduled to take place later today.
Muslim Brotherhood officials says that parliamentarians could return to work on Monday, however they will have to get past law enforcement officials and security forces who are guarding parliament.
Power was officially handed over to President Mursi by the military chiefs on 30 June. However, before the election results were declared, SCAF issued a decree which seen the army generals granting itself sweeping political powers, both executive and legislative.
In addition, the council moved to curtail the powers and role of the president, and said it would appoint its own panel to draw up a new constitution.
However, according to the new presidential decree announced by President Mursi, the recalled parliament will be tasked with writing the countries new constitution.
Furthermore the decree outlines a timeframe for new legislative elections, which will be held 60 days after a draft constitution is agreed upon via referendum.
The latest political manoeuvre by President Mursi could potentially lead to a major expected clash between the military council, the presidency and the dissolved legislature.
Many analysts say the Mursi’s decree would lead to the first of many confrontations between his and the army generals over political issues.
The Muslim Brotherhood aims to use new legislation to send the army back to barracks, and decrease their hold on Egyptian politics.
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