Egypt passes presidential election law, opening way for the date for vote to be set

CAIRO – Egypt’s interim president has issued a much anticipated decree that governs upcoming presidential election, clearing the way for the vote that many expect the country’s military chief to take part in and win.

Legal adviser Ali Awad said Saturday on state television that interim president Adly Mansour issued the decree. The elections commission will set a date for the vote, expected to be in April.

Mansour decreed that the decisions of the elections commission be protected from legal challenges, a contentious issue on which two of Egypt’s top courts had staked opposing positions.

The law is passed after a transition plan laid out in July after the army ousted President Mohammed Morsi. Military chief Field Marshal Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is widely expected to declare his candidacy soon, and, if he runs, is forecast to win.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.