The Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee of the People's Assembly agreed Tuesday to amend Article 20 of the law on presidential elections. The amendment cancels the campaign silence period of 48 hours before the voting.
MP Sameh Makram said the campaign silence law was not enforced on the ground, so it is illogical to leave a law that is violated by the people.
MP Sayed Gadallah said campaign silence was futile if it was not applied to the media.
Freedom and Justice Party MP Saad Abboud said the aim of the campaign silence was to give voters a chance to assess candidates without being affected by anybody, warning that removing this period would create clashes between candidates.
Deputy Minister of Justice Omar al-Sherif said the amendment must be reviewed by the higher constitutional court according to the Constitutional Declaration. Campaign time was defined by the Presidential Elections Committee, and its decision are obligatory, he added.
Sherif said that the law can applied in the future, adding that the 19-day campaign period is not enough, suggesting that the extension of this period is better.
