Egyptian activists and intellectuals reject constitutional amendments

[News_Editor]

Egyptian activists and intellectuals reject constitutional amendments

2011-03-10 22:09:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

CAIRO, EGYPT (BNO NEWS) -- Egyptian activists and intellectuals rejected the constitutional amendments that will be put to referendum on March 19, the Daily al-Ahram newspaper reported on Thursday.

During a seminar on the constitutional amendments organized by the Egypt International Economic Forum, speakers expressed their views and concerns to the measures proposed by a ten-member panel appointed by the military council.

Political scientists Hassan Nafaa and Amr Elchobaki along with Constitutional Court Vice-Chairman Tahani El-Gebali discussed over the impact the amendments could have on Egypt.

Nafaa and Gebali said that more time is needed before holding the referendum as the proposed amendments have not satisfied the whole Egyptian population. The restriction for independent candidates seeking the presidency is the main topic of discussion.

In addition, the elimination of the supervision of the Court of Cassation over elections in favor of the Constitutional Court has also caused controversy as the latter is an appointed body and the former was elected by citizens.

The voting process is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. local time and will end at 7:00 p.m. Egyptian citizens will vote on the proposed amendments to the constitution's articles 75, 76, 77, 88, 93, 139 and 148, the cancellation of article 179, and inserting a paragraph and two items in article 189.

The military council took control of Egypt after Hosni Mubarak, who led Egypt as president for three decades, stepped down after weeks of anti-government protests by crowds calling for greater democracy and respect of human rights.

So far, the Army has also dissolved the parliament and suspended the constitution. In addition, military authorities appointed a panel of legal experts to propose constitutional amendments to address demands of the people.

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