Egypt's state-run al-Ahram newspaper says the country's first presidential election since the ouster of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak will be held by the the end of May.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Local Development told the newspaper that candidates will have three weeks to declare their candidacy and 45 days to campaign.

Egypt's military rulers have said nominations for presidential candidates will be accepted beginning March 10.

A judicial election committee will set the exact election date.

The ruling military council had first promised to hold the presidential vote by June, but moved up preparations after protesters called for a faster transition to civilian rule.