Egypt’s military rulers picked a prime minister from ousted leader Hosni Mubarak’s era to head the next government in a move quickly rejected by tens of thousands of protesters. More than 100,000 people packed into Cairo’s central Tahrir Square for their biggest demonstration since the current showdown began, with activists accusing the generals of trying to extend the old guard and demanding they step down immediately after failing to stabilise the country, salvage the economy or bring democracy following Mubarak’s ouster.
Tensions have risen ahead of parliamentary elections, set to begin on Nov 28. The election is to be staggered over multiple stages that end in March, and the military said on Nov 25 it would extend the voting period to two days for each round in an apparent effort to boost turnout due to the current unrest. The first stage covers nine provinces that include Cairo and the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria.
Kamal el-Ganzouri, 78, served as prime minister between 1996 and 1999 and was deputy prime minister and planning minister before that. He also was a provincial governor under the late president Anwar Sadat.