Mr Mahsoub, of the moderate Islamist Wasat party, is the second minister to resign this week.

BBC: Egypt opposition leaders face 'incitement' probe

The bill, presented to parliament by the Islamist al-Wasat party, is expected to drop the retirement age to 60 from 70.

NPR: Egypt's Opposing Parties Argue Over Judiciary

Atef Awad, a member of al-Wasat party, told the private ONTV station that judges should be treated like all other public officials, expected to retire at 60.

NPR: Egypt's Opposing Parties Argue Over Judiciary

Another unsuccessful contender was the New Wasat or Centre Party.

ECONOMIST: Democracy can sometimes be too tame