UPDATE 1-Tunisian election official wants vote delayed to Oct

Sun May 22, 2011 5:49pm GMT

[-] Text [+]

* Proposed date 3 months later than previously expected

* More time needed to ensure transparency, official says

* Main opposition fears move "political, not operational"

(Adds background, comment)

By Tarek Amara

TUNIS, May 22 (Reuters) - The president of Tunisia's independent election committee, Kamel Jandoubi, proposed postponing an upcoming election to Oct. 16 from July 24, citing operational reasons.

Speaking on Sunday at a press conference, Jandoubi said it would be impossible to have elections on the expected date in July.

"The time would not be enough to prepare all that is necessary for transparent elections," he said. Continued...

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