Several political parties' leaders expressed support for postponing parliamentary elections in light of ongoing instability in the country. An informed military source said in a statement Wednesday that parliamentary elections would be postponed until October or November, but pre-election procedures would begin in September, in accordance with the constitutional declaration issued in April. Wafd Party spokesperson Mohamed Mostafa Sherdy said postponing the elections would give the country a chance to regain stability. Sherdy advocated that elections be postponed until early next year. Mohamed Abu al-Ela, of the Nasserite party, also supported delaying elections. Al-Wasat Party spokesperson Tareq al-Malt said the decision would give new parties greater opportunity to win representation. He also added that his party supports holding elections ahead of writing the constitution. Tagammu Party Spokesperson Nabil Zaky stressed the necessity of postponing elections in light of the insecurity and proliferation of weapons trading in Cairo. Abdel Moneim Imam, a Justice Party founder, described postponing elections as a positive step, saying it would allow youth political forces and newly-formed parties to adequately prepare for elections. Ahmed Hanafy, member of the Union of Revolutionary Youth's executive bureau, said the fledgling movements had pushed more than once for such a postponement during meetings with the ruling military council. He added that election protocols remain unclear to many political groups. Translated from the Arabic Edition
