Once the panel is reconstituted, its members will not be starting from scratch in drawing up a draft, since Egypt has had three previous constitutions and various political and civic society groups have drawn up models, Ashour said.

CNN: Row over Egypt's new constitution reflects wider tensions

But even in draft form the proposal is drawing criticism from abortion-rights groups, who suggest it is an effort by abortion foes within the administration to create legal recognition for the fetus.

CNN: Bush proposal would cover fetuses

The draft Communications Data Bill was sent "back to the drawing board" in December after scathing criticism from a joint committee of MPs and peers.

BBC: A person using a computer