Salafi candidate holding \'illegal campaign\'

Egypt’s Higher Presidential Elections Commission (HPEC) filed a complaint against Salafist presidential candidate Hazem Salah Abu Ismail on Saturday, accusing him of illegal campaigning. On Friday, thousands supporting Abu Ismail embarked on massive car parades and marches, using his banners and slogans as he submitted his presidential candidacy papers to HPEC headquarters. According to HPEC chairman Farouk Sultan on March 7, campaigning will officially begin April 30, or after a final list of candidates is announced April 26. Campaigning will continue until the end of May 20, or 48 hours before elections day on May 23. Anyone breaching these dates is liable for prosecution. Hatem Bagato, HPEC secretary, said the commission regarded the acts of Abu Ismail's supporters as a breach of the campaign dates, and that he had faxed letters to the governor of Cairo and the interior ministry to inform them of the violations. HPEC, according to Bagato, called on those parties to take the necessary legal action against Abu Ismail, and to remove his photo from the streets. Abu Ismail has amassed some 150.000 signatures and has the support of 58 MPs, according to his central campaign office. To be nominated, candidates must secure the support of 30 elected MPs, collect the signatures of 30,000 Egyptian citizens from at least 15 Egyptian governorates, or secure the backing of a political party that holds at least one seat in parliament. Presidential elections will take place May 23-24, a runoff vote June 16-17 if necessary, and the president will be named on June 21.