Audio By Carbonatix
An Egyptian administrative court has suspended general elections that were scheduled to begin next month.
It said the electoral law needed to be reviewed by the Supreme Constitutional Court to determine whether it conformed to the constitution.
President Mohammed Morsi had said the polls would begin on 22 April, taking place in four stages over two months.
The elections have been boycotted by the main opposition, amid continuing street protests.
The National Salvation Front (NSF) has said the electoral law favours Mr Morsi's Islamist allies - a claim denied by the president.
The NSF has also expressed concerns that the election will not be free and fair.
Egypt remains sharply divided between Islamists and their liberal and secular opponents.
More than 70 people have been killed in violence between security forces and protesters since February, following the second anniversary of the revolution that ousted President Hosni Mubarak.
On Wednesday, the security head in the city of Port Said was dismissed following renewed clashes between demonstrators and police.
The coastal city has seen sporadic violence since January, when death sentences were handed down to 39 people imprisoned over football violence last year which left more than 70 people dead.
Further complication
The administrative court said it had acted because the Shura Council - the upper house of parliament - had not returned the amended electoral law to the Supreme Court for final review.
Instead, the court said, the Shura Council had sent the law to President Morsi for ratification.
Mr Morsi's office has so far made no public comment on the court's decision. The president can appeal against the ruling.
Egyptian courts have made a number of decisions that have gone against the president and his Muslim Brotherhood movement, further complicating the country's political crisis.
In June, the lower house was dissolved after the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that one of the laws under which the elections were fought was not legitimate.
In the last elections, in January 2012, Islamist parties won an overwhelming majority, with the Freedom and Justice Party of the Muslim Brotherhood movement taking the biggest share.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
University of Ghana points to student leaders over 25% fee hike
51 minutes -
Merger of local gov’t, chieftaincy and religious affairs strategic reform – Minister
1 hour -
Wuthering Heights to The Odyssey: 16 of the most exciting films coming up in 2026
1 hour -
Watch how Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah wowed the crowd as guest DJ at Joy FM’s 90’s Jam
2 hours -
Joy FM’s sold-out 90’s Jam ignites Dzorwulu with throwback fashion and unrivalled energy
3 hours -
Pure 90’s gold: Joy FM does it again!
3 hours -
Joy FM’s 90s Jam delivers electrifying night of rhythm and nostalgia at Pleasant Gardens
5 hours -
Talensi: Missing man found deadÂ
5 hours -
Driven by the people, fueled by belief: Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan hope to continue writing AFCON story
6 hours -
DVLA warns motorists over incomplete vehicle ownership transfers
7 hours -
Stephen Kingsley Bennieh supports widows, widowers and vulnerable families in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai
7 hours -
Fire ravages shops at Kwame Nkrumah Circle as fighters battle to contain flames
8 hours -
Joy FM’s 90’s Jam is underway at Pleasant Gardens with massive crowds and retro vibes
9 hours -
Provide clear recruitment timeline for 2022, 2023 trained teachers – TTAG urges gov’t
10 hours -
Former MMDCEs appeal to President Mahama over delayed end-of-service benefits
10 hours
