Major Mohamed El-Asar, a member of Egypt's ruling military council, has said that the armed forces are ready to secure the polling in Egypt's first post-revolutionary presidential elections, and will not allow any electoral violations.

At a press conference on Tuesday, El-Asar warned the public against any calls for chaos by political forces. He stated that the public will choose the president, and there is no room for complaints or opposition under free elections.

El-Asar also stated his wish that the participation rate not only exceed 62 per cent, the figure from the recent parliamentary elections, but reach 100 per cent.

El-Asar confirmed that ballot boxes will not be transferred from the vote-counting committees; only the results will be transferred.

The military council member stated that there is no doubt that power will be handed over once a president is named.

According to El-Asar, the armed forces are aware of their primary role, and will not withdraw any of their forces from the borders; on the contrary, they will supply extra forces for internal and border security.

The law prohibits military personnel from voting, so there is no room for suspicions about the integrity of the elections, El-Asar said.

Egypt's first post-Mubarak presidential poll will be held on 23 and 24 May, with a runoff round on 16 and 17 June if no single candidate wins an outright majority. Egypt's next president will be formally named on 21 June. The military council is scheduled to hand over power by 30 June.