Morsi sets date for parliamentary vote

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has set a date for the country’s parliamentary elections.

According to a decree released by the Egyptian president on Thursday, the election process will happen in four stages beginning on April 27 and ending in late June. The new parliament is set to convene on 6 July, it added.

According to an aide to President Morsi, Bakinam al-Sharqawi, “The elections will be held in phases to ensure they are fully supervised by the judges in line with the constitution.”

The elections come at a time when unrest, insecurity, and an economic crisis are plaguing the North African country. The country is deeply divided with opposition groups accusing the president of trying to monopolize power, a claim Morsi denies.

Last year, Morsi issued a constitutional declaration that sweepingly expanded the Egyptian president’s powers. The president rescinded the decree after thousands of Egyptians protested against it.

Analysts say the president hopes the vote will put an end to anti-government street protests.