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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Presidential decree to hold polls in maximum of 90 days from constitutional referendum

Presidential polls expected between 17 February and 18 April, according to newly-issued presidential decree

Ahram Online, Sunday 26 Jan 2014

Women cast their votes at a polling centre during a referendum on Egypt's new constitution in Cairo 14 January, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

Egypt's upcoming presidential elections could get started as early as mid-February, according to a decree issued by interim President Adly Mansour on Sunday.

The decree states that the Supreme Presidential Electoral Comission (SPEC) should begin procedures for the polls in no less than 30 days and no more than 90 days following the successful implementation of the country's newly-amended constitution.

The constitution was put into effect on 18 January, after a 14 and 15 January referendum which saw voters approve the charter by an overwhelming majority of 98.1 percent.

Accordingly the presidential polls should take place between 17 February and 18 April.

Earlier on Sunday Mansour announced that presidential and not parliamentary elections will be held first, a reversal of the election plan detailed in the transitional road map put forth by interim authorities following the 3 July ouster of president Mohamed Morsi.

The new national charter stipulates that it is up to Mansour to decide the order of upcoming elections, but that the second poll must be staged within six months of the constitution's ratification.

Labels: Controversy, Egypt