Many of the secular and liberal activists who participated in Egypt’s uprising are uncomfortable with the rushed timetable for writing the constitution. And some oppose the current process altogether, saying that a constitution should not be written under military rule.
“My position is that anything that comes under the SCAF umbrella is illegitimate,” says activist Shahira Abouellail, referring to the military council now ruling Egypt. She worries the constitution will be influenced by the military. A constitution should be written under a civilian government, she says, and should not be written by those who can use it to increase their own power. The process should not be rushed, she says. “This isn't a time for a shortcut, this is a time for laying down a strong foundation.”
