Since the opening of polling stations on Sunday morning, some errors were reported by the observatory mission hosted by local NGO Maat.
The mission also includes the Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD), the International Institute for Peace, Justice and Human Rights (IIPJHR), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
The mission reported that five schools, four of which are located in Cairo, opened around 9:20–9:30am, instead of 9am sharp. Some other schools even opened after 10am, according to observer reports. Many schools were on time. Polling stations are supposed to close at 9pm.
On a different note, there are reports of violations by candidates. As in the first phase of elections held in October, some illegal campaigning is reportedly taking place in front of polling stations.
It is too early to judge turnout rates, but Maat reported that in the governorate of Port-Said, a “huge” turnout was observed in the morning in several schools, with polling stations in Menufiya described as “crowded with voters”.
This is the second phase of Egypt’s parliamentary elections, this time taking place in 13 governorates. Voters must choose candidates from two electoral systems: the closed-list system and individual candidates.
In the closed-list system, voters cast their votes for an entire list, containing a mix of independent and party-based candidates.
In the Cairo and Central Delta area, lists contain 45 names. The area includes the capital Cairo, Daqahleya, Gharbeya, Qaliubiya, Menufiya and Kafr Al-Sheikh.
In the East Delta area, lists contain 15 names. The area includes Ismailia, Suez, Sharqeya, Port Said, North Sinai, South Sinai and Damietta.
In the Cairo and Central Delta area, voters can choose from four lists: For the Love of Egypt; Al-Nour Party; the Republican Alliance; and Tayyar Al-Istiqlal.
However, For the Love of Egypt faces no competition in the East Delta area.
“Voting cards for that constituency will have one blue box to approve the list and one red box to reject it. This list must get at least 5% of the total voters’ registered in those governorates,” according to a statement from the Supreme Electoral Commission (SEC).
