Thousands take part in Cairo demonstrations

Tens of thousands of protesters have packed Cairo’s Tahrir Square in the biggest demonstration in months against the ruling military.

The move, which featured both Islamists and liberals, is aimed at stepping up pressure on the generals to hand over power to civilians and bar ex-regime members from running in upcoming presidential elections.

Thousands turned out in force for the protest, to show the widespread anger at the military over the country’s political chaos ahead of the first presidential elections since the fall of Hosni Mubarak more than a year ago.

The confusion has raised suspicions the generals ruling since Mubarak’s removal are manipulating the process to preserve their power, ensure the victory of a pro-military candidate and prevent reforms.

Protesters in Tahrir chanted “down with military rule,” and banners draped around the sprawling plaza denounced candidates seen as “feloul”, or “remnants” from Mubarak’s regime.

But the crowds in Tahrir were divided between rival groups with differing complaints and goals. As a result, the participants failed to reach a unified list of demands.

Liberals and youth groups called for all factions to agree on an anti-military “revolution” candidate in the presidential vote, but the powerful Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists – who have their own ambitions in the race - refused to sign on.