Power Play

Military Issues Decree in Egypt

Gives armed forces sweeping powers after vote.

Military leaders in Egypt issued a constitutional decree giving armed forces overwhelming powers Sunday following the country’s two days of voting in a presidential runoff election. The move appeared to give the president-to-be a subservient role, saying that he will have no control over the military’s budget or leadership and will not be able to declare war without the approval of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces. The Muslim Brotherhood decried the action, calling it "null and unconstitutional." The decree also said that the military would appoint a body to draft a new constitution which would be put up for vote within three month’s time. “With this document, Egypt has completely left the realm of the Arab Spring and entered into the realm of military dictatorship,” said Hossam Bahgat, a human rights activist. “This is worse that our worst fears.”