Presidential candidate Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh said Sunday he is “deeply disturbed” by reports that the ruling military council will soon issue a new constitutional declaration to complement the one already governing Egypt’s transition.
The former Muslim Brotherhood leader said no party is entitled to change articles in the constitution without first consulting with the people.
Egypt has been managed in accordance with a Constitutional Declaration approved by a majority of voters in a March 2011 referendum, which was to be in effect for the transitional period until the people approve a new one, Abouel Fotouh said.
“[The March] declaration determined the constitutional powers of the president, which are the same powers that have been exercised by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces for more than a year now,” he said.
Abouel Fotouh stressed that the new constitution should reflect the aspirations of all different segments of Egyptian society; that Egyptians should be allowed to approve of those chosen to draft the document; and that the constitutional draft should be put forward in a popular referendum before it is enacted.
Presidential candidate Amr Moussa, who served as foreign minister under former President Hosni Mubarak, said there is no need for a complementary declaration and that he is keen on having a parliamentary system of governance.
"Also, a four-year term for the president is not enough," Moussa said, adding that he would achieve the demands of the Egyptian people if elected president.
Reports emerged on Saturday that the SCAF would issue a complementary constitutional declaration by Monday that would grant Parliament the right to appoint a new Cabinet — with the exception of certain sovereign ministries — and the president the right to dissolve Parliament. Sources close to the situation told Al-Masry Al-Youm that under the declaration, the SCAF would have to approve any legislation related to the armed forces before it is passed, and have final approval on a presidential decision to go to war.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
