Egyptian President Mursi reverses parliament dissolution

Asmaa Waguih/REUTERS

Egypt’s President Mohammed Mursi has ordered parliament to reconvene, a month after it was dissolved.

Mr Mursi, whose Muslim Brotherhood won most seats, said the chamber should reconvene until a new election is held.

The military had enforced a court order last month dissolving parliament because party members had contested seats reserved for independents.

The military council held emergency talks on Mr Mursi’s decree but did not decide on any action, officials said.

The council, known as the Scaf, said it would hold another urgent meeting.

The Scaf took over the reins of power last year, after the revolution that ended strongman Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.

The army move was initially welcomed by many of the anti-government protesters, but its presence became increasingly unpopular as critics accused its leaders of wanting to hold on to power.

BBC NEWS