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CAIRO.
Egypt’s military has set a vote on constitutional change provisionally for March 19 as a prelude to a parliamentary election in June followed by a presidential poll to usher in full democracy, army sources said yesterday.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, running the Arab world’s most populous nation since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak on February 11, is sticking to a short timetable to open a new chapter in modern Egyptian history.
“The timeframe the young people announced is a preliminary timetable for the key events within the coming months,” an army source said when asked about comments from youth leaders who met the council last week and disclosed the March 19 date.
The youth leaders said a parliamentary election would be held in June with a presidential vote six weeks later.
The military, which promised to guard against a “counter revolution” after fears that Mubarak’s inner circle would try to keep its grip on power, could make more cabinet changes later in the week after a recent reshuffle, the source said.
There is growing speculation in political circles that Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq may step down. Appointed by Mubarak in his last days in office, the premier was the target of a protest in Tahrir Square on Friday calling for his removal.
The Muslim Brotherhood, youth movements and other political groups have urged the replacement of an interim cabinet in which the key posts of defence, foreign affairs, interior and justice are in the hands of Mubarak appointees.
“The entire regime has to go and that includes Shafiq’s government,” said Ibrahim Ali, protesting in Tahrir Square.
Life in Egypt’s capital is still not back to normal with new tents pitched by protesters in Tahrir Square, the nerve-centre of the revolt against Mubarak, schools closed and the bourse, which was expected to open yesterday, delaying until Sunday.
The military’s steps towards democracy have been welcomed internationally and by the opposition in this key US Middle East ally, which has a peace treaty with Israel. The high command wants Egypt to return to normal as soon as possible.
But the rapid course the generals have charted is causing concern for some Egyptians who say more time is needed for political life to develop after decades of oppression.
Quick elections suit politicians associated with Mubarak’s National Democratic Party who have survived a corruption crackdown that is targeting high-profile figures from his era. – Reuters.