CAIRO: A new service that helps citizens figure out voting dates and information on polling stations was launched Monday, the Cabinet of Ministers said in a statement.
Citizens can use their landlines to call the telephone directory service (140) and find out the exact date of elections in their respective governorates, the place and number of their polling station as well as their registered number in the voters’ lists.
"This is a very beneficial service," founder of "Ehmy Sotak" (Protect your Vote) initiative, Seif Abou Zaid told Daily News Egypt on Monday.
"It will make the elections process easier, especially that we have different stages in the elections and voters need to know when to vote," he added.
The Supreme Electoral Commission (SEC) launched a website with all the necessary information regarding the elections, including dates of each phase, location of polling stations and voting for Egyptians abroad, among others.
Still, the effectiveness of the website is questionable given Egypt’s high illiteracy rates and low internet penetration. For this reason, Abou Zaid said, providing service through landlines widens the scope of information sent to the public about the elections.
Online awareness campaigns, youth initiatives and human rights watchdogs are working to provide the public with the necessary information regarding the voting process in different governorates and tips on how to choose candidates.
"We expect that voter turnout to be at least similar to the March referendum, but many are still afraid either because of lack of information on how to vote or fears that their choice may be wrong," Abou Zaid added.
