Egyptian Presidential Candidates denounce HPEC Halt

Egypt’s presidential hopefuls have censured the country’s election committee for suspending its activities ahead of the upcoming election.

The criticism comes after the committee announced on Monday that it had frozen its activities in protest at what it perceived as interference by the parliament in its affairs. 

It asked the ruling military council, which took power from ousted dictator Hosni Mubarak last November, to intervene and resolve the impasse.

The presidential candidates called on the committee to immediately resume its activities. 

They warned against the negative effects of the decision, describing the move as “harmful.” 

Amr Moussa, a front-runner in the presidential race, voiced his opposition to the decision, saying “democracy has to be protected.” He called on Egypt’s junta to prevent any “ominous repercussions.” 

Meanwhile, the parliament, which recently approved amendments for presidential election laws, has dismissed the election committees’ claims, pointing out that it was only doing its job as the country’s legislative authority. 

The judicial committee oversees the first presidential vote in the country after the Mubarak regime was toppled last year during a popular revolution. 

The Egyptian presidential election is to be held on May 23 and 24, with a run-off on June 16 and 17, if necessary, according to Press TV.