Egyptian Official Says Election Result May Be Delayed

Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood's presidential candidate, Muhammad Morsi, celebrate on top of a bus at Tahrir Square in Cairo on June 18.

Egypt's Election Commission says the results of a runoff presidential vote that had been due on June 21 might be delayed because of pending appeals from the two candidates, both of whom claim to have won.

Egyptians voted on June 16-17 to choose a replacement for Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted in a popular uprising last year.

The poll pitted the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Muhammad Morsi, against Ahmed Shafiq, Mubarak's last prime minister.

Commission Secretary-General Hatem Bagato issued an official statement saying the committee "has decided to continue to examine the appeals, which involves looking at records and logs related to the electoral process."

Any delay in disclosing the results risks stoking tension at a time when it's unclear what role the military will continue to play in leading the country.


Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP