Supreme Council for the Armed Forces (SCAF) slogans during a protest at Tahrir square in Cairo, Monday. Hundreds of Egyptians protested in Tahrir Square Monday demanding that SCAF step down from power. — AP CAIRO — A spokesman for an advisory body to Egypt's military rulers says the army is studying ways to accelerate the transition to civilian rule, including moving up the timetable for presidential elections. Mohammed El-Kholy said Monday the panel of civilian advisers wants to “ease the tension” following street protests on the anniversary of last year's uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak, leaving the generals in charge. The protesters want an immediate end to military rule, and accuse the army of mismanaging the transition and committing human rights violations. El-Kholy says one suggestion is to hold presidential elections earlier than by the end of June — the military's current schedule. Activists say the new proposals could inflame tensions because they squeeze the time allotted for drafting a new constitution.
