Egypt should determine a new system of government by forming its new constitution before electing a president this year, reformist and potential presidential candidate Mohamed ElBaradei said on Sunday.

In a television interview, ElBaradei reiterated his belief that a constitution should be formulated through a national consensus or a national panel formed immediately.

Political powers have urged the establishment of a parliamentary system to replace the current presidential system, which they say grants too many powers to the president.

In March, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) issued an Interim Constitution of 63 articles, with broad guidelines for managing political life during the transitional period. In a nationwide referendum about 77 percent of voters approved the articles.

Parliamentary elections are slated for September, and the presidential election for the end of this year. According to the Interim Constitution, the parliament will be entrusted with forming a new constitution.

ElBaradei said he believes the majority of Egyptians do not want a regime based on the rule of an Islamic jurist, similar to that of Iran.

"The most important thing is to return to moderate Islam," he said.  

ElBaradei said that a new constitution should emphasize the principles of equality and freedom, and preserve the Islamic identity of Egypt. He added that it would not take long to formulate.

ElBaradei said Article 2 of the 1971 Constitution should remain in place, allowing the followers of religions other than Islam to have their own Personal Status Laws.

Translated from the Arabic Edition