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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Riot may hasten elections

Jeffrey Fleishman Los Angeles Times

CAIRO – Egypt’s military rulers signaled Monday that presidential elections may be held earlier than planned in what appears to be an effort to stem political turmoil and calm five days of protests that have shaken the nation following a soccer riot last week that killed 74 people.

The military is under growing pressure from activists to step down and hand power to a civilian administration. The presidential poll had been planned for June. But the army-backed government said the start of nominations would be moved up a month to March, suggesting elections could take place in May or earlier.

At least 13 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since Thursday in nationwide demonstrations that blamed the police and military for not preventing the soccer riot in Port Said. Anger over lack of security has intensified calls for the army to honor the democratic goals of the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak a year ago.

The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has been reviled by activists for months but has enjoyed the support of much of the country. That allegiance, however, began to wane over the weekend as videos from Port Said showed security forces standing by Wednesday as scores of people were killed by hooligans.