In a bilateral session today, Egypt’s parliamentary chambers are electing the members of the constituent assembly that will draft the country’s new constitution.

Accusing the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafi (ultraconservative) Nour Party of intending to dominate the assembly, several liberal and leftist political parties and independent members of parliament refrained from voting.

The political parties who refrained from voting are: the Revolution Continues party, Al-Horreya party, the Egyptian Democratic party, the Free Egyptians party, the Popular Coalition party, Al-Karama Party and Al-Tagamoa Party.

Meanwhile, members from Al-Wafd party, Arab Egyptian Union party, Egyptian Citizens party and independent members also refrained from voting.