Egypt's ruling military has issued a declaration granting itself sweeping powers, as the country awaits results of Sunday's presidential elections.
The document by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (Scaf) says new general elections cannot be held until a permanent constitution is drawn up.
Opposition groups condemned the move as amounting to a military coup.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood says unofficial results show its candidate, Mohammed Mursi, has won the election.
The Scaf issued its declaration late on Sunday - just hours after the polls closed.
It confirmed on Monday that it plans to hand over power to the winner of the poll at the end of June.
However, the constitutional declaration issued by the Scaf effectively gives it legislative powers, control over the budget and over who writes the permanent constitution following mass street protests that toppled Mr Mubarak, reports say. It also strips the president of any authority over the army.
This a shame for the secular dictatorship minded army of egypt.
The document by the Supreme Council of Armed Forces (Scaf) says new general elections cannot be held until a permanent constitution is drawn up.
Opposition groups condemned the move as amounting to a military coup.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Brotherhood says unofficial results show its candidate, Mohammed Mursi, has won the election.
The Scaf issued its declaration late on Sunday - just hours after the polls closed.
It confirmed on Monday that it plans to hand over power to the winner of the poll at the end of June.
However, the constitutional declaration issued by the Scaf effectively gives it legislative powers, control over the budget and over who writes the permanent constitution following mass street protests that toppled Mr Mubarak, reports say. It also strips the president of any authority over the army.
This a shame for the secular dictatorship minded army of egypt.

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