According to the changes, the percentage of the People`s Assembly seats for party lists rose to two thirds of the total from half, and the number of seats for individual candidates was reduced accordingly, state media reported.
The total seats of the People`s Assembly, the lower house of the Egyptian parliament, was reduced from 504 to 498, and that of the Shura Council, the upper house, from the previous 390 to 270, according to the amendments.
The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces did not announce the exact dates for the elections. But it said the schedule would be announced at the end of September.
Recent reports by the Egyptian media said the People`s Assembly vote would be held on Jan. 22 next year. But this was not confirmed by the military.
The parliamentary vote has been said to be held in November. But no exact date for presidential elections was given.
Several presidential hopefuls have been urging the military council to transfer power to a civilian government as soon as possible.
After widespread protests, the military council took over power from ousted President Hosni Mubarak on Feb. 11, ending his 30-year-long rule. The council was led by Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi during the interim period till the election.(*)
Xinhua-OANA/H-AK
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
