Egypt's president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said in a meeting with a delegation of American businesspeople on Monday that Egyptian parliamentary elections will take place before the end of March 2015.

The statement is the closest estimate given by an official regarding the date of the polls, which has been shrouded in mystery for quite some time.

A statement by presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef said El-Sisi mentioned that the third objective of Egypt's transitional roadmap, following a new constitution and presidential elections, "will be achieved before the International Economic Summit which Egypt will host in the first quarter of 2015."

The delay of a date for elections was criticised by politicians and observers who have argued the delay is unconstitutional; Egypt's January 2014 constitution says electoral procedures for parliamentary elections must commence after 6 months following the constitution’s ratification.

The meeting included representatives from the Egypt-US Business Council and the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt.

Egypt Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab attended the meeting along with many members of cabinet including the industry and trade, planning, investment, electricity and renewable energy and petroleum ministries.