Egypt court looks at constitutionality of parliamentary election laws, possibly delaying vote

The Supreme Constitutional Court holds a session on the legality of the laws governing the electoral process on grounds that they violate Egypt's principle of fair representation in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Judge Anwar Rashad al-Assi said the court will make a ruling this coming Sunday. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (The Associated Press)

Egyptians walk in front of the Supreme Constitutional Court in Cairo, Egypt, in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. The court heard Wednesday the arguments of lawyers contesting the legality of the laws governing the electoral process on grounds that they violate Egypt's principle of fair representation. Judge Anwar Rashad al-Assi said the court will make a rule this coming Sunday. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (The Associated Press)

CAIRO – Egypt's highest court will determine next week whether the laws regulating the country's parliamentary elections are constitutional, threatening to further delay the vote scheduled for next month.

The Supreme Constitutional Court heard Wednesday the arguments of lawyers contesting the legality of the laws governing the electoral process on grounds that they violate Egypt's principle of fair representation. Judge Anwar Rashad al-Assi said the court will make a rule this coming Sunday.

The legislative elections are due to begin on March 21, with phases running until May 7.

The parliamentary elections are the last phase in Egypt's transitional plan, which was put in effect following the July 2013 military ouster of the country's first democratically elected president, Islamist Mohammed Morsi, after mass protests against him.