Morsi's hardline allies call for early presidential vote

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi's hardline Islamist allies in al-Gamaa al-Islamiya want him to call early presidential elections to avoid bloodshed and a military coup, Tarek al-Zumar, a senior member of the group told Reuters.

"This peaceful, constitutional transfer (of power) will spare blood," Zumar told Reuters by telephone, adding that it would also protect the constitution that was passed into law in December. He said the army's statement appeared to presage a coup, but this "can be avoided if the president decides to hold a referendum on early presidential elections". (Reuters)