The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) issued a decree Wednesday ordering the formation of temporary popular councils across Egypt.
In statements to the press, Minister of Local Development Mohamed Attiya said local councils were dissolved as stipulated by a judicial ruling issued in June, which said that 98 percent of local councils were dominated by ex-President Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic Party. The councils are meant to oversee local budgets and provide services but were accused of widespread corruption.
In July, former Minister of Local Development Mohsen al-Nomany proposed a law to form temporary local councils.
Attiya added that the new councils will include former members of judicial bodies, former university teaching staff, public figures and civil society leaders as well as representatives of women and youth.
Each council will chose a president and vice president from among its members during its first session.
The local councils will address urgent matters connected to development and work to meet citizens’ demands and will conduct these mandates for one year or until the election of new popular councils.
