‘In Order to Maintain Status Quo,’ Court Bars Certification

Following is the text of an order issued Friday by the Florida Supreme Court barring state officials from certifying final results in the U.S. presidential election there pending oral arguments Monday:

“In order to maintain the status quo, the Court, on its own motion, enjoins the Respondent, Secretary of State and Respondent, the Elections Canvassing Commission from certifying the results of the November 7, 2000, presidential election, until further order of this Court. It is NOT the intent of this Order to stop the counting and conveying to the Secretary of State the results of absentee ballots or any other ballots.”