Egypt electoral commission calls off polls after court ruling

CAIRO (dpa) – Egypt’s electoral commission officially cancelled the timetable for parliamentary elections, state television reported late Thursday, a day after a court struck down the presidential decree calling for the polls to start in April.

The decision by the Supreme Electoral Commission means that nominations for the polls will not open on Saturday as planned.

Earlier on Thursday, state television reported a statement from Egypt’s President Mohammed Mursi that he would abide by a court ruling on the suspension of parliamentary elections.

“The presidency confirms its full respect for the ruling issued by the Administrative Court to enhance the rule of law,” Mursi’s office was quoted as saying.

The court on Wednesday overturned a presidential decree calling for the poll to be held in four rounds starting next month. It ruled that Mursi’s failure to consult with the prime minister and cabinet before calling the election was in violation of Egypt’s new constitution.

The court also referred a disputed electoral law, endorsed by Mursi, to the Supreme Constitutional Court for a ruling on its legality.