Behind the scenes, talks were already under way between the Muslim Brotherhood and generals to resolve disputes that blew up this month over steps by the ruling military council to hem in the powers of the first freely elected president Egypt has known.

The generals of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) issued a decree sharply limiting the powers of the new president.

SCAF will also keep control of legislative power, and the budget, until a new parliament is elected. Despite Morsi's victory, many questions about his power remain unanswered.

Gehad el-Haddad, Morsi's campaign spokesman, said in an interview shortly after the results were announced that Morsi would work to be a "president for all Egyptians".

Morsi delivered a victory address on Sunday night. He thanked the Egyptian people for their votes, calling them "my family" and "my beloved," and promised to work to "restore their rights."

Darul Ihsan Media Desk