Egypt's military rulers said Thursday that parliamentary elections would be held as scheduled, beginning on November 28, despite continuing tensions between security forces and protesters, DPA reported.
"We (the ruling military council) are ready for the elections under any circumstances," said Mokhtar al-Mula, a member of the ruling junta.
Earlier the council apologized for the killing of protesters during five days of clashes between them and security forces at demonstrations demanding a swift transition to civilian rule.
At least 38 people have been killed across the country and concerns have been growing over the feasibility of holding the elections.
"The elections will be held on time because they will be the first step towards building democracy and should not be hindered under any circumstances," al-Mula told reporters in Cairo.
He added that the army was coordinating with police to "secure the elections" until results were announced.
Egyptian expatriates began voting on Wednesday in their own embassies around the world for the first time. They have until Saturday evening to cast their votes.
The polls will be the first since a popular uprising unseated former president Hosny Mubarak in February.