Presidential candidates Ahmed Shafiq and Mohamed Mursi rejected appearing on television in an indirect debate, Egypt's state television reported.

The two candidates, who are competing in the run-off of the presidential election, were expected to appear on two different channels at the same time. Egypt's media referred to the appearances as a debate.

The candidates did not give reasons for cancelling, General Manger of state TV anchors, Amr Al-Shenaway, told Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper.

Egyptians will vote for the country's first post-January 25 Revolution president on June 16 - 17.