Cairo, Egypt - Several political movements in Egypt are threatening a massive protest at Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday if the interim ruling military council does not announce a shorter timeline for the transfer of power to a civilian authority. In a statement issued here, the movements, which included the 6th of April Youth, want presidential elections to be held in May next year. They also warned the military council against prolonging the elections, noting that a longer transitional period would increase security and sectarian risks, and that the absence of an elected authority feels too much like a 'dictatorship'.

The group said the military council’s policies did not impose stability on the political stage or security on the street.

The ruling council has set 28 Nov. for the start of legislative elections in the country, the first since the January 25 revolution succeeded in ousting President Hosni Mubarak.

The elected Lower and Upper Houses are to convene in March 2012 to elect a panel to write a new constitution for Egypt within six months, to be followed by a referendum.

Presidential elections, according to the military council's plans, are to take place not more than 60 days after the referendum. 

Pana 26/10/2011