Court reviews Egyptian assembly

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CAIRO, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Egyptian courts are the guardians of the country's constitution and the rule of law, the head of the constitutional court said Tuesday.

The High Constitutional Court considered Tuesday the constitutionality of the upper house of Parliament, known as the Shura Council.

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi was criticized for a power grab last year that supporters said helped advance the democratic processes in the country. A draft constitution was criticized for its enshrining of certain Islamic principles but passed a national referendum.

Maher el-Baheiry, the chief judge on the constitutional court, was quoted by Egyptian news agency al-Ahram as saying "the court will remain the guardian of the constitution and the law."

Morsi became the first president elected in a democratic vote in Egyptian history last year. His opponents have expressed concern about the role Islam plays in his administration. He is a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for April. Moderate Islamic party Wasat said Tuesday it was reaching out to its counterparts with the aim of forming a centrist electoral alliance for the upcoming elections, reports al-Ahram.