People's Assembly Speaker Ahmed Fathi Sorour averred that amending Article 88 of the Constitution was not mean to sideling judicial supervision of the electoral process.

During a hearing session of the Legislative Committee Thursday on constitutional amendments, Sorour said they aimed at pinpointing judges' role and maintaining their dignity.

He reiterated that independents would not be deprived of practicing their political rights in a state based on the multi-party system, noting that Article 76 allowed independents to run for the president's post.

Sorour further told the independents that banning all political activities premised on a religious basis was actually in their favor by allowing them free play.

For its part, the People's Assembly Constitutional Committee on Thursday announced the formation of a sub-committee that will undertake the initial wording of constitutional amendments proposed by President Hosni Mubarak last summer.

Parliament Speaker Ahmed Fathi Sorour, who presided over the Committee talks, said the sub-committee will be chaired by the head of the Constitutional Committee, Ammal Othman and include as members the Committee Office members Ibrahim El-Gohari, Omar El-Taher and Omar Haridi.

This is in addition to the head of the National Democratic Party parliamentary bloc, Abdul-Ahad Gamaleddin, the head of Al-Wafd Party block Mahmoud Abaza and three members of the Peoples' Assembly General Committee.

Sorour said the drafting committee will hold five sessions. He offered his advice though he will not be a member of the committee.

The sub-committee will report on its work to the Constitutional Committee that will then refer the constitutional blueprint to the Shura Council for endorsement.