While a number of newspapers have reported that a new government will be formed within the next two weeks, conflicting reports have circulated on appointing Mohamed ElBaradei, former director of the International Atomic Energy Agency and founder of the Dostour (constitution) Party, prime minister.

Sources close to President Mohamed Mursi refused to mention names nominated for the new government, but several reports claimed that the current cabinet, headed by kamal al-Ganzouri, will not persist for more than two weeks, Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.

The sources also told the local newspaper that the Freedom and Justice Party, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood which President Mursi belongs to, will not occupy more than 50 percent of the new government's ministries.

A number of current ministers may have their posts extended into the new administration, including, but not limited to, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, Defense Minister and head of the military council that ruled Egypt after Mubarak's removal.

The sources also ruled out reports that ElBaradei will be appointed prime minister, indicating that Mursi asked his team to negotiate with three individuals who did not include the former UN watchdog.

Meanwhile, Mourad Ali, media advisor of Mursi's presidential campaign, insisted that ElBaradei is in fact the closest to being appointed prime minister, Al-Tahrir newspaper reported.

Ali told Al-Tahrir that President Mursi's list of possible prime ministers is short and includes ElBaradei who enjoys the widest support, is agreed upon by everyone and whose expertise and international experience speak for themselves and prepare him for the responsibility that lays ahead.

On the other hand, sources close to ElBaradei have denied he had been offered the post of prime minister in Mursi's government.