The fate of the panel charged with rewriting Egypt’s constitution has been referred to the country’s Supreme Court, signalling that the final draft could face further delays.

Cairo’s administrative court had been due to rule on whether the constituent assembly writing the draft was formed legally. Numerous lawsuits have been filed criticising the make-up of the assembly and raising concerns that the panel remains swayed in favour of Islamist groups.  

Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court, which will now make the final decision on the draft, has already voiced concerns about the current version. In particular, it questioned provisions that reinstate the president’s ability to select judges and bring to an end the court’s right to rule on laws passed by Egypt’s parliament.

The final draft is meant to be finished in December and will then be subject to a referendum.

The referral of the case to Egypt’s highest court could result in the dissolution of the constituent assembly, delaying the creation of a new constitution and potentially stalling much-needed economic and political reforms.