The political crisis that has engulfed Egypt has cost the country a high profile official with the decision of Vice President Mahmoud Mekki to throw in the towel.

A story just coming in from Egypt says has resigned from his post effective today. Although no reason was given, analysts say it may not be unconnected with the combative style of President Mohamed Morsi which has led to problems with the judiciary and the legislature while also straining relations with the military. A statement announcing Mekki’s departure is expected to be issued shortly by a presidential spokesman.

A former senior judge, Mekki, 58, was appointed last August as Egypt’s first civilian vice-president since the country’s 1952 revolution. Under a decree issued late September by Morsi, the vice president responsibilities include issuing decisions and taking necessary measures in the president’s absence, as well as access to draft bills and propositions put forward by concerned entities.

Mekki (see photo) was tasked with spearheading a legislative overhaul scheme in a way that ensures judicial independence and guarantees separation of powers to serve revolutionary goals.

Besides, he was granted the power to commission federal, local and supervisory bodies to provide the president’s office with data and statistics.

He was in addition tasked with overseeing dialogue between political forces andvarious segments of Egyptian society, while ensuring the preservation of constitutional rights and freedoms.