Cairo lays out presidential campaign rules

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CAIRO, April 30 (UPI) -- Egyptian presidential candidates have a $1.6 million spending limit and 60 minutes of free air time for the first round of voting, an elections commission said.

The commission said candidates are limited to $1.6 million but can increase that by another $330,000 each for those making it to the second round of voting, reports Egyptian news service al-Ahram.

Candidates are given 60 minutes of free air time on national television and radio to explain their platforms. They're barred, however, from broadcasting polling data without providing specifics about questions and survey methodology.

Government buildings, public transport facilities and religious establishments can't be used for campaign purposes.

There are 13 candidates approved for the first presidential election in Egypt since the country's revolution last year. The elections commission said campaigning ends May 21, two days before voting begins.

Former Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa and Independent Islamist Abdul Moneim Abul Fotouh, a former Muslim Brotherhood member, are said to be among the leading candidates.

Elections run two days starting May 23. A runoff vote, if needed, is to begin June 16 with the new president taking his seat June 21.