Egypt to announce transitions steps this week

Egypt to announce transitions steps this week

Egypt's ruling military council will announce a constitutional decree within the next two days that will chart the path towards elections and civilian rule.

A security source said on Tuesday that the decree would set a time frame for parliamentary elections, expected in September and the presidential polls that will follow.

"The constitutional decree will set a roadmap for the steps ahead with a timetable for elections and the laws to be passed to implement the constitutional amendments," the security source said.

Constitutional amendments

The constitutional amendments were approved at the weekend in a referendum that drew more than 18 million Egyptians to the polls. The reform was approved by 77 percent votes.

The decree will act as a temporary constitution that will remain in force until a new constitution is drawn up after the new parliament convenes.

The military, to which President Hosni Mubarak handed power after he stepped down on February 11, has said it will also lift restrictions on forming political parties after the referendum to help reinvigorate political life.

The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group, is expected to announce the formation of its "Freedom and Justice Party" once the restrictions are lifted. A plethora of other parties are also expected to emerge.

REUTERS/Williams/Ekata