The Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Mursi was sworn in as Egypt's new president on 30 June at Cairo’s constitutional court despite Mursi's wish that the swearing-in ceremony would be before parliament.
In mid-June Egypt’ military rulers, who still retain considerable power in the country, dissolved the mainly-Islamist parliament, assuming legislative powers itself.
Mursi’s immediate task is to appoint a premier and a cabinet to reflect a cross-section of Egyptian society. Analysts believe that Mursi, who is the country’s first freely democratically elected president, will face an uphill battle with the generals over cabinet appointments, as both sides vie to assert their authority.
At present legislative powers are still held by the military until new parliamentary elections can be arranged or the one that was dismissed in June is re-instated. Under existing rules the president is entitled to object to any draft law proposed by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), but the council, acting for parliament, can block any legislation proposed by the president.
A new constitution must also be drawn up. This will outline the full extent of the presidential powers, which remain uncertain. The future constitution has long been the subject of wrangling between Islamists, SCAF and secularists.
Mursi has promised to be a "servant of the people" in a "democratic, modern and constitutional state."
In June’s landmark elections Mursi beat his opponent – ex-premier and former air force chief Ahmed Shafiq – by 51.7 per cent of the vote.
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