Dr. Essam El-Erian, Egypt’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) Vice-Chairman, said on his Facebook page that the constitutional declaration issued on 9 July usurps legislative authority from the Council elected by the people, and drags the country back to a point before the March 19, 2011 referendum, back to zero. Earlier on 9 July, the so-called interim president appointed by the military issued a ‘constitutional’ declaration that included a timetable to amend the national charter, hold parliamentary and presidential elections within six months, and grant the president the authority to issue laws after consultation with the new government.
Dr. Erian said, “This is an unconstitutional declaration, issued by a person appointed by putschists. Have the Egyptian people become a testing ground for coup commanders?” He expressed amazement at the process of appointing rather than electing constitutional panel members.