Egypt’s army chief says he will not let “troublemakers” meddle in Monday’s parliamentary elections, warning of “extremely grave” consequences if the country does not overcome its crisis.

Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi spoke as thousands of protesters again gathered for another rally.

He urged top presidential candidates Mohammed ElBaradei and Amr Moussa to back his nomination for Prime Minister.

Recent unrest, in which dozens have died, has cast a shadow over the polls.

Monday marks the first step of an election timetable which lasts until March 2012 and covers two houses of parliament.

Protesters fear the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf) – which is headed by Field Marshall Tantawi and is overseeing the transition to democratic rule – is trying to retain power.

Mass demonstrations have been calling for military rule to end before parliamentary elections are held – although there also have been smaller gatherings expressing support for the country’s interim military rulers.

‘Dangerous hurdles’

Field Marshal Tantawi said the army would ensure security at the polling booths and reiterated that the vote would go ahead on schedule.bbc

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