Egyptian Vice President Mahmoud Mekki Egyptian Vice President Mahmoud Mekki has sympathised with the judges’ concern over Morsi’s constitutional decree, but trusted the aim of the declaration, which is to ensure judiciary’s independence. In a televised interview on a state-owned channel, the Vice President explained that the decree would only be enforced for 13 days, which should give a good reason to the judges not to worry. Mikki praised what he described as “the draft constitution so far” and the Constituent Assembly.
Mikki said: “Any judge concerned about the judiciary’s independence would worry over this constitutional decree. But this time the circumstances are different, which is why I feel confident about this declaration.”
Mikki explained that the aim of the decree was to stop the judges getting involved in politics, and preventing them from taking any action against the state’s institutions.
“I trust that the President is sincere. I was worried when the decree was issued, but he swore he would only use his legislative power in favour of the public interest. My concerns over the decree were unnecessary because the President has already all the powers he needs. He wants to keep judiciary and politics separate,” explained the Vice President.
“I warned the President during the crisis with the Attorney General about judges becoming involved in politics.”
The Vice-President added that the judges’ wrath is justified:
“The anger is justified. What is not acceptable, on the other hand, is the degree to which judges get involved in political life. The demonstration of anger has been very excessive.”
Mohammed Morsi is committed to setting a referendum date within 15 days of the constitution being completed, said the Vice President.
“The Constituent Assembly surprised everyone when they finished the draft ahead of schedule. This is the best proof the president can have to show that he did not plan the referendum date,” explained the politician.
“President Morsi did not have any input in the constitution, the members of the Constituent Assembly worked independently from any political pressure. A social dialogue will be put in place to help the people of Egypt understand the constitution before they vote in a referendum,” reassured the Vice President.
Asked his opinion of the new constitution, Mikki said:
\"Constitutions usually express different visions. I can say that if that draft was the product of one party, it deserves our appreciation because I noticed at the last meeting that some tried to modify some of the articles in order to include their own political input [Many political parties deserted the Constituent Assembly following a row with the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafists]. The present members refused the initiative and kept the draft articles as they were.”
“They didn’t try to take advantage of the withdrawal of the opponent members to modify the previously drafted articles: “They violated their commitment but we are committed to what we agreed on.\"
“By all means, the draft constitution is the best step forward, it is better than the 1971 constitution, especially in terms of human rights and freedom. There is also an article that stipulates that one fifth of the parliament members can change the Constitution.“