membership, or his/her position as Worker or Peasant on the basis of which he/she was elected, or if he/she has breached any of the responsibilities of membership. A decision to remove membership must be issued by a two-thirds majority of the respective assembly. Article 45: It is not permissible in any case except that of flagrant violation to take any criminal proceedings against a member of the People’s Assembly or Shura Council, except with prior permission from his/her assembly. In the case of the assembly’s recess, permission will be taken from the head of the assembly and will be subsequently presented to the assembly upon resumption of work. Article 46: Judicial authority is independent and invested in courts of different varieties and degrees. Rulings will be issued according to the law. Article 47: Judges are independent and not subject to removal. The law regulates disciplinary actions against them. There is no authority over them except that of the law, and it is not permissible for any authority to interfere in their issues or matters of justice. Article 48: the Council of the State is an independent judicial body that specializes in adjudication of administrative disputes and disciplinary claims. The law determines its other responsibilities. Article 49: The Supreme Constitutional Court is an independent and autonomous judicial body, uniquely tasked with judicial oversight over the constitutionality of laws and regulations. It deals with the interpretation of legislative texts, all as stipulated in the law. The law also designates other responsibilities for the Court and regulates the procedures followed in front of it. Article 50: The law determines judicial bodies and their responsibilities and regulates their formation, in addition to stipulating conditions and procedures for appointing their members and their transfer. Article 51: The law regulates the military judicial system and stipulates its responsibilities in line with constitutional principles. Article 52: Court sessions are to be public except in the case that the court decides to make them secret in the interest of public order or morals. In all cases, the verdict is announced in a public session. Article 53: The armed forces are the property of the people. Their mission is the protection of the country and the safety and security of its lands. It is not permissible for anybody or group to establish military or paramilitary formations. The defense of the country and its land is a sacred responsibility, and conscription is mandatory according to the law. The law stipulates the conditions for military service and promotion in the armed services. Addendum amendments Article 53: The incumbent SCAF members are responsible for deciding on all issues related to the armed forces including appointing its leaders and extending the terms in office of the aforesaid leaders. The current head of the SCAF is to act as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and minister of defense until a new constitution is drafted. Article 53/1: The president can only declare war after the approval of the SCAF. Article 53/2: If the country faces internal unrest which requires the intervention of the armed forces, the president can issue a decision to commission the armed forces – with the approval of the SCAF - to maintain security and defend public properties. Current Egyptian law stipulates the powers of the armed forces and its authorities in cases where the military can use force, arrest or detain. Article 54: A council entitles “The National Defense Council” will be established. It will be headed by the president of the republic and tasked with evaluating affairs concerned with means of securing the country and its safety. The law will stipulate its other responsibilities. Article 55: The police are a civil order body whose responsibility it is to serve the people. The police guarantee for the people tranquility and security and provide for the maintenance of order, public security and morals, according to the law. Article 56: The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces deals with the administration of the affairs of the country. To achieve this, it has directly the following authorities: IFES Page 15 of 18