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                   Egypt Polls Close, Military Asserts Power

   by VOA News

   Polls have closed in the final day of Egypt's presidential runoff as
   the military leadership issued an interim "constitutional declaration"
   expected to formally hand the generals legislative authority following
   the dissolution of the Islamist-led parliament.


   Egyptian state television reported late Sunday that the Supreme Council
   of the Armed Forces would explain the widely anticipated declaration at
   a news conference the next day.


   According to military sources, the move would grant the SCAF exclusive
   legislative powers in addition to control of the nation's budget until
   a new parliament is elected. The decree also would give the military
   the authority to compose the constituent assembly that will draft
   Egypt's new constitution.
   Man-in-the-street video by Davin Hutchins and Stephanie Figgins:

   IFRAME: [1]http://www.youtube.com/embed/k5BqDV3l5VQ?rel=0


   The opposition did not offer any immediate comments on Sunday's
   announcement.


   With vote counting underway, aides to both candidates in the runoff -
   Ahmed Shafiq, the Mubarak-era representative, and an Islamist, Mohammed
   Morsi - were claiming their man was in the lead.


   Turnout appeared low compared with the 46 percent reported in last
   month's first round - a sign of dampening morale as the military
   tightened its grip on power.
   ''The lack of participation likely also reflects dissolution with the
   choice of candidates. Mr. Shafiq is a former air force general and
   confidant of former President Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted in an
   uprising last year.  Mr. Shafiq promised to restore order and push back
   against the rise of Islamism. Mr. Morsi represents the once-outlawed
   Muslim Brotherhood, a religious party committed to reversing liberal
   social traditions.


   Many of Egypt's 50 million eligible voters saw neither man as an
   acceptable choice. Some cast ballots against both candidates in a sign
   of protest.


   Voters shared with VOA Sunday their disillusionment about the stark
   differences between the two contenders, as the first round eliminated
   centrist candidates.


   The announcement of the winner as Egypt's first freely elected
   president is set for Thursday, but unofficial results are expected
   sooner.


   Last week's Supreme Constitutional Court ruling to dissolve the
   country's current parliament led to accusations from some leading
   Islamists and liberals that the military is instituting a de facto coup
   through the judiciary.


   The official MENA news agency said parliament received notice of the
   decree Saturday and that lawmakers will be barred from entering
   parliament, except with permission.
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   [2]http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-polls-close-military-asserts-po
   wer/1212217.html

References

   1. http://www.youtube.com/embed/k5BqDV3l5VQ?rel=0
   2. http://www.voanews.com/content/egypt-polls-close-military-asserts-power/1212217.html