Egypt’s parliament to pick constitutional panel

By Hamza Hendawi

Published June 12, 2012 6:05pm ET

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Egypt’s parliament to pick constitutional panel — Giant billboards showing Egyptian presidential candidates Ahmed Shafiq, top, and Mohammed Morsi, bottom, are seen along a highway in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 11, 2012. Shafiq, the last prime minister of deposed President Hosni Mubarak, will face the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohammed Morsi, in a runoff on June 16-17. Arabic sign, top, reads, "Ahmed Shafiq, president for Egypt, actions and not words." Arabic sign, bottom, partially shown, reads, "our strength is in our unity, we want a president, Mohammed Morsi, president for Egypt 2012."( AP Photo/Amr Nabil) | Amr Nabil

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s march to democracy hit another obstacle Tuesday when liberals boycotted a parliament session called to name members of a panel to draw up a new constitution, complaining that Islamists are trying to dominate the process.

A new constitution is key to Egypt’s turbulent transition to democratic rule after decades of authoritarian regimes. Many Egyptians hope the new charter will curtail the powers enjoyed by their presidents and enshrine freedom of expression and peaceful protests.

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