„We are in the early stages of democracy,“ said Gen. Mukhtar Mulla, a member of the ruling military council. „The parliament is not representing all sectors of society.“

In theory, the new parliament will be entrusted with forming a 100-member constituent assembly to write the new constitution. But Mulla said the new council will coordinate with parliament and the Cabinet to ensure the assembly is representative of all religions, professions, and political parties.