Egypt`s Parliament in first session after Constitution approval

Zeenews Bureau

Cairo: A day after the controversial Islamist-backed Constitution was passed by an overwhelming majority, Egypt’s Parliament held its first session on Wednesday. The Islamist-backed Constitution which is vehemently opposed by the opposition, was backed by 63.8 per cent of voters, according to the Election Commission of the country. Parliament was convened by the state institution in accordance with a document whose legitimacy is still contested by the opposition. 90 new members appointed by President Mohammed Morsi were sworn in on Wednesday. The charter, that was put for vote in a two-round referendum, gives the traditionally toothless upper house full legislative powers until elections for a new lower house is called within two months. The Islamist-dominated council is expected to draft a law regulating upcoming parliamentary elections. Other items on the agenda may include laws on protests and the media. The opposition says the constitutional process was rushed and the referendum marked by widespread irregularities. (With Agency Inputs)