Day second Presidential poll begins in Egypt

The Presidential poll in Egypt enters its second day as the country gears up to choose their first ever democratically elected President. Voting is expected to start at 8 AM (local time). For ordinary Egyptians, the two days of voting is a life-changing moment as they get to choose their own civilian President (through voting) for the first time in the country’s history. The current military council has assured of a fair election and a civilian government.

In the two days of first and free presidential election, fifty million eligible voters would decide their favorite candidate out of 12. Running among the top are Md. Mursi (Muslim Brotherhood-led Freedom and Justice Party), Ahmad Shafiq (briefly held the post of Prime Minister during Mubarak regime in Feb 2011), Amr Moussa (Arab League) and Abdul Moneim Aboul Fotouh (independent Islamist).

Preliminary results are expected to come in on Sunday. In case President is not selected, a run-off vote is going to be held on 16 and 17 June.

The last 15 months of post-Hosni Mubarak era has been marked by violent protests and power struggle. This has cast a major blow to FDI (foreign direct investment). Tourism, one of the major sources of income, has also reduced to one-third. Egypt’s President-to-be has a major challenge ahead to live up to people's expectations.

Violence marred Egypt before Presidential Election

Deadly violence erupted as unidentified mob armed with handmade explosives and guns attacked a peaceful demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Cairo early Wednesday. At least 11 are reported to be dead and not less than 100 sustained injuries of various levels. The Presidential election in Egypt is set to begin on May 23.

The protesters were staging a demonstration against Egypt’s military government for barring a popular Islamic candidate, Hazem Abu Ismail, from running for President. An ex-lawyer cum current preacher, Abu Ismail’s candidature is said to be disqualified on the ground that his mother held American passport, which Ismail has denied. Egypt's electoral law requires Presidential candidates as well as their parents and spouses to hold only Egyptian citizen.

What appalled people the most on Wednesday’s attack was the role of Egyptian military. It is claimed that lives could have been saved if there had been prompt military intervention. Later, the tense atmosphere prompted several candidates to call off their election campaign. Though the situation came under control by noon, Wednesday’s violence is said to be the latest attempt by the military to cling on to power by delaying the transition of power to civilian government.