Egypt Holds First Post-Mubarak Elections Amid Controversy and Concerns
Egyptians are voting today in the country's first parliamentary elections since Hosni Mubarak's resignation. However, the process has been marred by controversy and concerns. Judges have reservations about the two-day voting period, while Youm7 Editor-in-Chief Khaled Salah has condemned the Coptic Orthodox Church's alleged interference in the elections.
Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), held a press conference on the eve of the elections, urging people to vote without worries. He promised cooperation with the Interior Ministry to secure the electoral process. The elections are being held in 18,000 polling stations across nine governorates, supervised by 10,000 judges and 8000 observers. The Independent Coalition for Monitoring Elections, comprising 128 civil society organizations, is participating in monitoring the electoral process.
Judges have expressed reservations about the SCAF decree to hold the elections over two days, citing potential vulnerabilities to illegal practices. Concerns have also been raised due to the spread of 3000 ballots in the Red Sea Governorate 24 hours before election day. Meanwhile, liberal opposition party Al-Wafd has devoted two facing pages to its parliamentary candidates and their platforms.
The elections are a significant step in Egypt's democratic transition. Despite the concerns and controversies, Egyptians are exercising their right to vote. The outcome will shape the country's political landscape and the drafting of a new constitution.
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