The Coptic Orthodox Church has decided to postpone an annual festival in honour of the Virgin Mary, due to start 28 May, because of the upcoming presidential election.

Bishop Pavnotios, bishop of the diocese of Samalut and Taha El-Aameda in Minya governorate, issued a statement earlier this week saying that the festival, which is typically celebrated at a monastery in Samalut, will be postponed for a week.

The election is scheduled for 26-27 May.

Father Poulos Haleem, the spokesman of the Coptic Orthodox Church, published the statement on his official Facebook page.

The moulid, or religious festival, is held by the church every year in May to commemorate the holy family’s stay at the site of the monastery near Samalut city, during their reputed flight to Egypt.

Around two million visitors, including both Christians and Muslims, normally celebrate the festival. The festival usually attracts Egyptians and some foreign residents from all over Egypt.