Egypts new constitution would strengthen the armys hand and could ban Islamist parties outright, according to a final draft published in state media, and the assembly writing the text said it was poised to finish its work on Thursday.
One human rights lawyer said it reinforced the armys status of state within a state.
A referendum on the constitution expected in December would be a milestone in the armys plan for political transition after it deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July.
The process would culminate in parliamentary and presidential elections next year.