Egypt to select constitutional panel March 3
Egypt's ruling military council pushed ahead Sunday with plans to begin drafting a new constitution before transferring power to civilian rule, announcing that parliament will meet this week to select the panel tasked with writing the document.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces' statement that parliament will begin choosing the 100-member panel March 3 marked a setback for activist groups who have demanded the military relinquish power before a constitution is written. They fear that if the army is in power when the document is drawn up, the ruling generals will manipulate the process to ensure the military keeps its pre-eminent position and remains above civilian oversight. (AP)
