In 14 Egyptian governorates state school pupils will have Sunday and Monday off due to the first stage of parliamentary elections, the education minister announced on Saturday.

State school buildings usually act as polling stations during elections and referendums. Police have checked the sites for explosive devices.

Polling stations in 139 countries opened on Saturday to receive Egyptian expatriates, who have until 9pm on Sunday – in their local time – to vote.

The second stage of the parliamentary elections, when Egypt's 13 other governorates will vote, take place on 22-23 November, and 21-22 November for expatriates.

The country has been without a parliament since the previous house, elected in late 2011, was dissolved in June 2012 after a court ruled electoral laws unconstitutional.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi currently holds legislative powers.

Once a parliament is in place its members will have to vote on the laws issued by El-Sisi and his predecessor, interim President Adly Mansour.


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