Egypt “People’s Parliament” re-elects Srur as speaker

First Published: 2010-12-13

20 opposition lawmakers defeated in disputed legislative polls announce formation of their own rogue parliament.

Middle East Online

A counter parliament CAIRO - Egypt's new parliament convened for the first time on Monday, as about 20 opposition lawmakers defeated in disputed legislative polls announced the formation of their own rogue legislature. The new parliament re-elected Fathi Srur as speaker ahead of a formal opening session on Sunday, while prominent opposition figure and independent MP Mustafa Bakri read a statement on the creation of the "People's Parliament." Bakri and other legislators, including from the opposition Muslim Brotherhood and the liberal Wafd party, stood on the steps leading to Egypt's State Council. The State Council or Maglis al-Dawla is the court is authorised to settle administrative disputes concerning the exercise of public power. The rogue MPs pledged allegiance to respect the constitution and said their alternative parliament would reflect the will of the people. Two dozen protesters also joined the lawmakers outside the court, some of them holding placards saying the November 28 and December 5 parliamentary elections should be nullified. "Blatant fraud: Nul. Nul. Nul," said one sign. Others held up a white banner that read: "This is the coffin of fairness and transparency." A coalition of rights groups which monitored the vote has called for the dissolution of the new parliament. The ruling National Democratic Party of President Hosni Mubarak clinched control of four-fifths of the new parliament, securing 420 of 508 seats, while independents garnered 70 seats and the opposition trailed far behind with 14 seats. Wafd secured six seats although it had boycotted the second and last round of voting along with the Muslim Brotherhood on December 5. The Muslim Brotherhood won a fifth of seats in parliament at the last election in 2005 and none in the last polls.