Uncertain times for the country's generals

Cairo: Western diplomats also speak of a long haul to disentangle the military from politics and create an army that answers to civilian leaders. These are uncertain times for the generals. Since the "Free Officers" of Jamal Abdul Nasser toppled the king in 1952, the man in charge of Egypt has always been a military commander.

The army kept its distance from politics, confident the president was guarding its interests. In the meantime, the military gained privileges and built up sprawling business interests ranging from a military industrial complex to factories bottling water, operating almost as a parallel state.

The main candidates have said the army's status will change. Amr Mousa, 75, who once served as Mubarak's foreign minister, says the president, not the army, will be "the boss". Abdul Moneim Abu Al Fotouh, 60, and the Brotherhood's candidate Mohammad Mursi, 60, insist the army will not be above the constitution.

Military's role

Among the leading candidates, only Ahmad Shafiq was a senior military officer. In an interview with Reuters in February, the 70-year-old Shafiq said bluntly: "Civilians may be in a hurry and they think that as soon as the new president is elected he will act freely of the military. No, this will not be the case."

But the military's role will start shifting, even if slowly. In Turkey, the power of the army that was for decades the defender of the secular state has been gradually rolled back, mostly by the ruling AK Party, which has Islamist roots.

It is a worrying comparison for Egypt's military. Turkey's generals and senior officers are being hauled before the courts for their role in bringing down a government in the late 1990s.

Presidential candidates suggest they don't want to put military leaders in the dock, but the army has attracted public criticism over its handling of protests. Scenes of soldiers beating demonstrators have marred its reputation, even if many Egyptians see the army as a vital safeguard against chaos. Generals say most people still back them. "Ask the ordinary Egyptian to what extent he is harmed by these protests that have no aim except to delay people's daily lives," General Hassan Roweny said near the Defence Ministry sit-in.

The generals want to secure immunity from prosecution, guard their privileges and keep a guiding hand on defence and foreign policy, particularly on Israel as the peace deal brings $1.3 billion (Dh4.7 billion) a year in US military aid, analysts and diplomats say.

One way the army will keep a grip will be through a proposed National Security Council, widely endorsed by candidates. This would include senior ministers, speakers of parliament and army commanders. Officers privately say it would give them a broad say on issues ranging from waging war to bread shortages.

The army also wants to keep its budget protected from deep public scrutiny in parliament.