Morsi ousted by Egypt military coup

The first democratically elected president of Egypt has been ousted by Egypt’s military. On Wednesday night, Mohamed Morsi was overrun and he has been replaced by the country’s chief justice for an interim period.

Morsi has insisted on his legitimacy, but others believe that he failed to accomplish the goals of the people. He also failed to meet the generals’ demand that he work alongside his opposition.

Egypt’s constitution has been suspended, and new parliamentary elections will be held with Adly Mansour, head of Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court, replacing Morsi.

Gen. Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi says the military was performing its “historic responsibility” to protect their country by ousting Morsi.

Morsi was elected president in June 2012, but his approval ratings have tumbled as he has failed to revive Egypt’s economy. Much chaos has dominated the streets of Egypt during Morsi’s presidency, keeping away tourists and investors. Opponents say Morsi’s rule was becoming increasingly authoritarian.

On Monday, the military gave Morsi an ultimatum to find a resolution with his opponents in 48 hours. As the deadline neared, Morsi proposed to form an interim government that would oversee parliamentary elections. This interim government would also revise the constitution that was ratified in January.

Minutes after the deadline however, Essam El Haddad, an aide of Morsi, announced in a Facebook post that a coup was underway.