Egypt’s interim leader plans new elections

Adly Mansour, Egypt’s interim leader, has announced plans to restore democracy by issuing a timetable for new elections following the military takeover last week.

The acting president hopes to rewrite Egypt’s constitution, elect a new Parliament and hold elections for a new president within the space of six months. Islamist Mohammad Morsi, Egypt’s first freely elected leader, was deposed last week.

Mr Mansour announced on Monday that the suspended constitution will be reformed within 15 days. The changes would feature in a referendum, to be held within four months.

Elections for a new parliament could be held in early 2014 and Presidential elections will subsequently follow.

Meanwhile, civil unrest has been rife. The Muslim Brotherhood have rejected the transition plan and Islamist supporters have accused the military of staging a coup while opponents of Mr Morsi claim the military takeover serves as an extension of the initial revolution.

Adding to tensions, the military reportedly shot and killed over 50 Muslim Brotherhood protesters early on Monday, leading to concerns the leadership is creeping away from the democracy it claims to be restoring.

Mr Morsi, now in military detention, was elected Egypt’s president with 51% of the vote a little over a year ago. His popularity declined, and millions took to the streets – calling for his removal a year following the inauguration.

The United States may be forced to withdraw a $1.3 billion per year aid package if Washington law officially deems the takeover a coup. Officials have since declared it not in US interests to cut military aid, despite condemning the military violence.

Keumars Afifi-Sabet