Egypt sets rules for election propaganda

CAIRO - The Egyptian Higher Presidential Elections Commission (HPEC) on Saturday set rules for the presidential election propaganda, which will kick off on April 30, state media reported.

According to the rules, presidential candidates can hold meetings, rallies and symposiums to explain their electoral platforms but cannot expose other candidates' private lives or their families in any form, the official MENA news agency quoted an HPEC official as saying.

Any prejudice against national unity and the norms of the society or the use of religious slogans are banned, the source said.

"The violence, threats and presenting of gifts in donations, cash or in kind or promises to offer them whether in a direct or indirect way are not allowed," according to MENA.

The commission also bans the use of public buildings and facilities, state transport means, worship houses, schools and universities, the source said, noting that civil servants are not allowed to make use of their positions to help presidential candidates.

If there is a run-off, the propaganda will kick off again on the day following the announcement of the results of the first round, MENA added.

Egypt is set to hold its presidential vote on May 23 and 24. The military rulers have pledged to cede power to an elected civilian government by the end of June.