Egyptian anger as army tightens grip

A new political power structure is slowly taking shape in Egypt, with Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohamed Morsy claiming victory in presidential elections.

Despite no official result from the two-day poll, many believe a win is likely for Morsy over ex-military man Ahmed Shafik.

Some Egyptians are angry, however, as the ruling military council, who assumed power last year after the overthrow of former President Hosni Mubarak, dissolved parliament and issued a decree allotting itself total legislative power.

Many in Egypt are calling upon the military council to stand aside.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNEMPLOYED EGYPTIAN, HASSAN MOHAMED, SAYING:

"Who chose the parliament? Wasn't it the people? Or was it the military council or field marshal? These people are in a position of power; they don't want to go back to their barracks."

Egypt's constituent assembly, set to write a new constitution as part of the country's transition, held their first meeting yesterday as a show of defiance against the army's assumption of legislative powers.

Islamists and liberals have united to denounce the move, which some call a "military coup".

Sarah Sheffer, Reuters