Egypt’s Supreme Military Council provokes democracy seekers with delay in planned elections

Egypt’s elections pushed back
Published: July 14, 2011 at 7:51 AM

CAIRO, July 14 (UPI) — Egypt’s ruling Supreme Council of Armed Forces says it is delaying scheduled September elections until October or November, officials said.

Bikya Masr reported Thursday the military, which took power after the overthrow of former President Hosni Mubarak, still supports democracy and a transition to civilian rule, but the announced delay angered protesters gathered at Cairo’s Tahrir Square where the movement to oust Mubarak began.

“We want an end to the old guard, former ruling party members and we want to see the trials of Mubarak … and others for what they have done to us and this country,” said Ahmed Gabr, 31, a protester who has been in Tahrir Square daily since July 8.

Human rights activists have voiced mixed feelings over the recent announcement by Interior Minister Mansour al-Essawy that more than 600 high-ranking police officers would be released, including 27 officers implicated in the killings of protesters in Tahrir Square, al-Masry al-Youm reported. …source