Egypt Presidential Poll Hours Extended

Photo Credit: Mideast Posts

As the second day of Egypt’s presidential elections continues, authorities have reportedly extended voting hours by two hours. Head of the Supreme Presidential Electoral Commission Sultan Farouk  announced on Al-Hayat TV that voting will be extended to 9pm, the same as it was on the first day. The polls were originally set to close at 7pm. Ahram Online reporter Nada Al-Kouny has reported that turnout on the second day of voting has been moderate so far, with many apparently staying home due to scorching temperatures. There have also been widely varying reports regarding voter turnout in certain areas, and only minor violations have been reported thus far.

Additionally, Daniel Tovrov explores the choices facing Egypt’s Coptic Christian community during the election, saying, “With some six million registered voters in a close election, the Copts could influence which candidates make it to a June 16 run-off vote. But despite being Egypt’s largest religious minority … the Copts have been largely ignored by most of the presidential hopefuls.” BBC News offered a number of reflections from first-time voters, and Hannah Allam suggests that voters in tourist-dependent Luxor fear the ramifications that may come if an Islamist is elected.