President Morsi announces names of appointed Shura Council members

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi names 90 members of the upper house of parliament set to assume legislative powers if constitution passes on Saturday Presidential spokesperson Yasser Ali has announced on Saturday evening the names of  90 members of the Shura Council chosen by President Mohamed Morsi, according to his constitutional prerogatives, to fill one third of the 270-member body. According to a statement posted on Ali's official Facebook page, the appointed members represent 17 political parties, of which 12 parties were not previously represented among Shura members. The appointed members also include 8 women, 12 Copts (including 8 Church representatives), 5 Azhar representatives and 2 representatives of the January 25 revolution's injured. The presidential spokesperson also stated that those appointed include legal and constitutional experts, NGO members, Syndicate members, academics and Egyptian bedouins. The Shura Council (Upper House of parliament) would take over the power to issue laws from the president if voters approve a new constitution on Saturday. Of the prominent names included in those appointed are Deputy Head of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party Essam El-Erian, Former Head of Military Judiciary Adel El-Morsi, American University in Cairo (AUC) professor Mona Makram Ebeid and former MP Ramy Lakah. Tens of liberal and leftist figures have declined the positions offered to them by the president in the Shura Council. This means that members of the main opposition's parties, previously represented in the now-dismantled People's Assembly, are now not represented in new appointments to the Shura Council. The announcement comes on the last day of constitutional referendum. The final results of the constitution poll, which ended on Saturday night, are expected to be announced on Tuesday. From Ahramonline