Egypt's military 'grants itself sweeping powers'

Egypt's ruling military has issued a declaration apparently granting itself sweeping powers, as the country awaits results of presidential elections.

The document by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (Scaf) reportedly says new general elections can not be held until a permanent constitution is drawn up.

It also allegedly gives the Scaf legislative control.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood says its candidate is leading as votes are counted after Sunday's poll.

Islamist Mohammed Mursi is competing against Ahmed Shafiq, who served as prime minister under former President Hosni Mubarak.

Mr Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood said he was holding a 52%-48% lead over Mr Shafiq with just over 80% of the vote counted after Sunday's second-round run-off election.

"Mohammed Mursi is the first Egyptian president of the republic elected by the people," said a tweet from the Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood.

But an official at Mr Shafiq's campaign headquarters told Reuters news agency: "I do not accept this, I will not file wrong numbers."

The election - the first since Hosni Mubarak was forced from office in 2011 - also comes amid a bitter row over the dissolution of parliament following a court ruling on Thursday.

The Brotherhood has denounced the step as unlawful and a coup against democracy.

'Grave setback'

The Scaf issued its declaration late on Sunday - just hours after the polls closed.

The document effectively gives the Scaf control over the budget and who writes the permanent constitution following mass street protest that toppled Mr Mubarak, reports say. It also strips the president of any authority over the army.

The full details of the declaration are expected to be announced later on Monday.

However, prominent political leader Mohammed ElBaradei already described the document as a "grave setback for democracy and revolution".

The Brotherhood earlier urged Egyptians to protect their revolution after the Scaf declared the parliament null and void on Saturday.

Two days earlier, the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that last year's legislative polls were unconstitutional because party members were allowed to contest seats in the lower house reserved for independents.

The decision was made by judges appointed under Mr Mubarak.

The dispute has laid bare the fears of some that the military council is trying to consolidate power and resist the democratic changes demanded during last year's demonstrations.

Soldiers have already been stationed around the parliament with orders not to let MPs enter.

Source: BBC News