Strong Egypt Party, April 6 Youth Movement, the Revolutionary Socialists, and the No to Military Trials group all announced their rejection of the newly amended constitution, due to several articles, especially the one allowing military trials for civilians, and the one that requires the approval of the army to dismiss the defense minister.
“Those who voted ‘no’ to the 2012 Constitution, would also reject the 2013 constitution, because there is no difference between them in form and content, both do not hold a vision for the future or a clear philosophy,” said Mohamed al-Mohandes, a member of the Supreme Commission of Strong Egypt Party.
“The difference in the 2013 constitution is that it approved military trials for civilians in more detailed article than the one in the 2012 version,” he added.
Al-Mohandes also criticized the new constitution granting great powers to the President, at the expense of the parliament and the government, by giving him the right to dissolve the House of Representatives, after a popular referendum.
He also sees the 2013 articles related to economic and social rights to be vague.
The constitution carries its own justification for refusal, according to Sheriff al-Roby, the head of the Information Office of April 6 Youth Movement.
“It allows military trials for civilians, immunizes Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in office for eight years, and the articles on social justice are not sufficient to achieve the goals of 25 January revolution.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
