Egypt bars another presidential candidate

CAIRO, April 25 (UPI) -- The latest candidate to be barred from running for president of Egypt said Wednesday the country's Disenfranchisement Law is unconstitutional.

Ahmed Shafiq told Ahram Online he will appeal a decision by the Supreme Presidential Election Commission to keep him off the May ballot.

Shafiq found out late Tuesday he is not eligible to run under Egypt's newly ratified Disenfranchisement Law.

The law prohibits certain individuals who served in top positions in the last 10 years under former President Hosni Mubarak from entering the presidential race.

Shafiq was Mubarak's last prime minister.

"The Disenfranchisement Law is illegitimate, unconstitutional and an unfortunate start to Egypt's democratic future because it threatens the principles of democracy itself," Shafiq said.

He said he will challenge the commission's decision and continue campaigning.