20110225
reuters

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's new military rulers, promising to guard against "counter-revolution", faced political pressure on Friday to purge the cabinet of ministers appointed by Hosni Mubarak as thousands of protesters gathered in Cairo.

On the eve of the rally that also celebrated two weeks since Mubarak's removal, the military, which has promised elections within six months, assured Egyptians there would be "no return to the past" of the Mubarak era.

In the gathering at Tahrir Square, which also reminded the military of the people power that ended Mubarak's 30-year iron rule, activists urged the military to overhaul the newly appointed cabinet and install a fresh team of technocrats.

"The demands are clear: resignation of the government of (Prime Minister) Ahmed Shafiq; immediate release of political prisoners and the issuing of a general amnesty that absolves all," Safwat Higazie, a leading member of the Council of the Protectors of the Revolution, told Reuters.

"We do not want Shafiq any more, even if they shoot us with bullets," activists chanted. "Revolution until victory, revolution against Shafiq and the palace."

The atmosphere was also festive. Mothers pushed little children in strollers, with red, white and black Egyptian flags painted on toddlers' cheeks. People waved the national flag, danced and sang patriotic songs as soldiers looked on.

During noon prayers, the preacher called on Egypt's powerful army to stand by the people and to respect their demands. He also expressed Egyptian solidarity with the rebellion against Muammar Gaddafi in the western neighbour Libya.

In the fragmented political arena of post-revolutionary Egypt, those with wealth, whatever its source, may still be able to win power and influence in elections. For decades past, voting in Egypt has been determined by thuggery, bribery and manipulation.