CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypts new military rulers, promising to guard against counter-revolution, faced political pressure on Friday to purge the cabinet of ministers appointed by Hosni Mubarak as thousands of protesters gathered in Cairo. On the eve of the rally that also celebrated two weeks since Mubaraks removal, the military, which has promised elections within six months, assured Egyptians there would be no return to the past of the Mubarak era. In the gathering at Tahrir Square, which also reminded the military of the people power that ended Mubaraks 30-year iron rule, activists urged the military to overhaul the newly appointed cabinet and install a fresh team of technocrats. The demands are clear: resignation of the government of (Prime Minister) Ahmed Shafiq; immediate release of political prisoners and the issuing of a general amnesty that absolves all, Safwat Higazie, a leading member of the Council of the Protectors of the Revolution, told Reuters. We do not want Shafiq any more, even if they shoot us with bullets, activists chanted. Revolution until victory, revolution against Shafiq and the palace. The atmosphere was also festive. Mothers pushed little children in strollers, with red, white and black Egyptian flags painted on toddlers cheeks. People waved the national flag, danced and sang patriotic songs as soldiers looked on. During noon prayers, the preacher called on Egypts powerful army to stand by the people and to respect their demands. He also expressed Egyptian solidarity with the rebellion against Muammar Gaddafi in the western neighbor Libya. In the fragmented political arena of post-revolutionary Egypt, those with wealth, whatever its source, may still be able to win power and influence in elections. For decades past, voting in Egypt has been determined by thuggery, bribery and manipulation. The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypts best organized political group, and others are particularly concerned about the key portfolios of defense, interior, justice and foreign affairs, and want a clean break from Mubaraks old guard. Having dissolved parliament and preparing a referendum to amend the constitution to dismantle the apparatus that kept Mubarak in power, the military has also effectively banned strikes and urged the nation to get back to work. The military told the Arab worlds most populous nation on Thursday night to guard against attempts to create strife. The military council emphasizes that it will take all steps to fulfil its promises, so that there is no return to the past and the sublime goal is to achieve the hopes and aspirations of this great nation, the military said on its Facebook page. We demand the resignation of all governors across Egypt. These officials have been appointed by Mubarak and continue to work for him and (Mubaraks) NDP. They are preparing for parliamentary elections, Higazie said, adding: Their aim is to destroy the peoples Jan 25 revolution and to stage a comeback of the regime to power. Our demands must be fulfilled in order to put an end to this counter-revolution run by Mubaraks lackeys. Tens of thousands of protesters in Ismailia, Arish, Suez and Port Said demonstrated after Friday prayers calling on the cabinet to be removed. In Suez, about 7,000 protested, demanding the constitution be changed and not just reformed, the removal of Shafiq from power and the resignation of the governor of Suez. In Ismailia, over 10,000 people demonstrated, saying the revolution was not over and it has not achieved all of its goals.