Legal woes hang over Egyptian election

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CAIRO, May 9 (UPI) -- An administrative court in Egypt said it would hear an appeal on a decision that left a presidential candidate's eligibility in limbo.

A court said it would hear an appeal filed by the presidential election commission against a ruling issued by the lower courts that referred the law banning former regime figures from running for office to the country's constitutional court, the Egyptian Independent news service reports.

Former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq won the right to compete in the presidential election following a recent appeal to the Supreme Presidential Elections Committee.

Shafiq was named prime minister Jan. 29, 2011, but resigned roughly 30 days later in the aftermath of the revolution that forced President Hosni Mubarak from power after nearly 30 years. His candidacy appears to be in limbo while the courts consider the latest appeals.

Voting begins May 23. If a candidate fails to secure a clear majority, the election would head to a second round in June.

Military authorities who took control over Egypt after the revolution have pledged to hand power over to a civilian-led government once the elections produce a winner.

There are 13 candidates competing for the presidency.