Front-runners barred from Egypt election

Ten candidates have been barred from standing in Egypt’s upcoming presidential election.

They include former spy chief Omar Suleiman, the Muslim Brotherhood’s Khairat al-Shater and Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, a Salafi preacher.

From Saturday, they had 48 hours to appeal.

The presidential poll is being held after Hosni Mubarak was ousted in an uprising.

It is part of a transition to civilian rule in Egypt and the elimination of front-runners is set to dramatically alter the race.

Thirteen candidates now remain in the running, with a first round of elections due in May.

Military generals expect to hand over power to the newly-elected president in July.