Military declares parliamentary poll for September

EGYPT:EGYPT'S MILITARY rulers are increasingly mapping out the route the country will take in the post-Mubarak period. Yesterday, they decreed the country's parliamentary poll will be held in September.

This declaration was strategically paired with a communique stating the emergency law, imposed in 1981, will be lifted ahead of the election.

The decision on the election is certain to displease the January 25 Youth Coalition that guided the uprising which toppled former president Hosni Mubarak. The coalition seeks an interim period of one year to 18 months so that both liberal and nationalist parties, re- pressed during the 30-year reign of Mr Mubarak, and emerging parties have time to organise.

But the coalition cannot dispute the lifting of the emergency law, one of its primary demands.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) also declared Mr Mubarak and his family have been placed under house arrest to scotch rumoursthey have fled to Saudi Arabia.

Finally, facing rising anger and threats of strikes over the adop- tion last week of a new law banning strikes, demonstrations and protests, minister for justice Ahmad el-Guindy said, “We as a government believe in the right to protest as long as it does not disrupt work or cause chaos and [demonstrations] are cleared through legitimate channels.”

He assured Egyptians they still have the right to protest. In spite of this, many will be wary of protesting for fear of facing a year in jail and a hefty fine. Critics argue that the law imposes even greater restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly than those in force during the Mubarak era.

The generals – who assumed the presidency after the fall of Mr Mubarak – have been able to set the agenda and dictate the timetable for Egypt’s political transformation because they are united and hold the levers of power. They can count on the backing of a majority of conservative Egyptians who want normality to return.

By contrast, the youth movements espousing multiparty democracy have few recognised leaders, are divided and cannot yet command widespread support. This was evident when, despite strong coalition opposition, 77.2 per cent of voters approved constitutional amendments drawn up by a committee formed by the SCAF in the March 19th referendum.