Accessibility links

Breaking News

Court Rules Egypt's Parliament Illegal


Egypt's top court has ruled the country's Islamist-dominated upper house of parliament was illegally elected. But the court says the body will not be dissolved until a new parliament is chosen.

The ruling by the Supreme Constitutional court says the laws governing the election of the Shura council were unconstitutional as were the rules for the selection of the panel that wrote Egypt's new constitution.

The presidency said the Shura Council will continue its legislative duties until power is transferred to a new assembly. The court said the ruling would not effect the legitimacy of the constitution as it was approved by the people.

The ruling, issued Sunday, also found unconstitutional the president's powers under a state of emergency.

The rulings are the latest in a series of challenges between the government and Egypt's judiciary.



Last year, the same court ruled to dissolve the lower house, a move that led to the upper house (Shura council) legislating in their absence. The upper house, widely regarded as a consultative body, was elected on a seven-percent turnout last year.
XS
SM
MD
LG