The Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Foundation reported various types of violations on the first day of the second phase runoffs. These include candidates’ campaigning in front of polling stations, influencing voters, mobilising voters in some districts, as well as bribery.
On the other hand, there were positive observations regarding the organisation of the electoral process and the efficiency of the security procedures put in place. The relevant bodies and the judges in charge displayed neutrality, except in minor instances.
The observer mission’s statement, which covered the electoral process during half of the first day of the runoffs, mentioned that the voter turnout was low compared to the first round.
In another statement, covering a longer duration of the day, Maat documented the number of voters that frequented polling stations in a number of governorates. In Cairo governorate, 1,138 cast their votes out of 14,029 voters, comprising around 8% of eligible voters.
In North Sinai, a number of violations were reported in Al-Arish and Be’r Al Abd, including mobilising voters and vote-buying with rates reaching EGP 350, according to Al-Ahram newspaper.
The second phase of parliamentary elections covers thirteen governorates, including the capital Cairo and Qaliubiya, Sharqeya, Menufiya, North and South Sinai.
