The cabinet’s advisory council, the creation of which was announced recently by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), is slated to hold its first meeting next Thursday, Islamist presidential hopeful Mohamed Selim al-Awa said Sunday.
In a symposium at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Awa said the meeting will set criteria for the selection of members of the constituent assembly, and draw up a bill on presidential elections. The council’s composition remains to be announced, but will include female members, party chiefs, Islamists, non-Islamists, and seven representatives of revolutionary youth groups, according to Awa.
The council will be comprised of 35 members, with the possibility of being expanded to 50 members if particular specialists are needed, Awa added.
The SCAF will review the advisory council’s suggestions during a joint gathering for members of the two councils.
“The advisory council will hold weekly meetings in an unused government site. Members will not receive any financial reward, and will meet with the ruling council once per month,” Awa said, clarifying that the council’s work will end once a new president is elected.
Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, head of the SCAF, decided on 27 November to form an advisory council after meeting with 50 public figures, including representatives of the military, politicians, party chiefs, presidential hopefuls and revolutionary youths.
The council is to assist Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri’s national salvation government in effectively governing the country during the transition period.
