The constituent assembly amending Egypt’s constitution has passed an article that grants the Supreme Council of Armed Forces the right to choose the country’s defense minister for the next eight years (two presidential terms), sources said. 

The article grants the president the authority to remove the defense minister when he wishes though, as well as the right to appoint one with the permission of the SCAF. 

The constitution was written by an Islamist-led assembly last year, but was suspended following the army's ouster of President Mohamed Mursi in July. 

A 50-member assembly was formed after Mursi's ouster to amend the controversial constitution. 

Egyptians are expected to vote on the amendments within the next several weeks.