The Supreme Administrative Court (SAC), headed by Judge Ali Fikry, today issued a ruling annulling the formation of the constituent assembly assigned with drafting Egypt’s new constitution
The Supreme Administrative Court (SAC), headed by Judge Ali Fikry, today issued a ruling annulling the formation of the constituent assembly assigned with drafting Egypt’s new constitution. The SAC ruled out Parliament’s decision to form the constituent assembly, as well as all the other decisions implied.
A number of lawyers, intellectuals and political and rights activists had filed complaints demanding the annulment of Parliament’s decision to form the constituent assembly.
The complaints were based on the fact that the 100-member constituent assembly does not fairly represent all sectors of the Egyptian community and is dominated by the Islamist parliamentary majority. The complaints also mentioned that the recently-formed constituent assembly violates all rules and norms related with drafting constitutions.
The complaints presented also pointed out to an unfair representation of Copts and women in the constituent assembly, thus demanding the SAC to annul the decision to form the committee. The plaintiffs demanded that the court should rule that the constituent assembly be formed fully from outside the two houses of the Parliament in order to ensure a fair balance of power and for the constitution to represent all factions of the community. According to the March 2011 constitutional amendments, the constituent assembly should include 50 per cent of its members from inside Parliament and 50 per cent from outside.
Watani International
10 April 2012