Egypt to Lift Emergency Rule Before Fall Election

The laws granting the government sweeping powers have been in place since Hosni Mubarak took power in 1981.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has announced a string of reforms that ease restrictions on Egyptian life as the country inches toward September elections that many hope will bring democracy to the country. Before Egyptians go to the polls, the hated emergency laws, which allow for near-unlimited powers of arrest, will be eliminated. The council also reduced the curfew that has been in place since mass protests ousted Hosni Mubarak in January, shortening it to the hours between 3 and 6 a.m. New regulations for forming political parties have also been announced, and stipulate that new organizations must have 5,000 members distributed in at least 10 provinces. The rules prohibit the formation of parties on religious grounds.