Voting in general presidential election kicks off in Egypt

Voting in the general presidential election has begun in Egypt. Polling stations have opened in all provinces of the country, which will work for three days - up to and including December 12, TASS reports.

According to the National Election Commission, 10,085 polling stations have been organized in Egypt for voting. About 67 million citizens who have the right to vote will be able to participate in the elections. 15 thousand judges of all levels exercise control over the voting process. Their main task is to monitor the counting of votes, which will begin at the end of the third day of universal suffrage, that is, on the evening of December 12.

Three politicians are candidates for the presidency of Egypt, not counting the current head of state, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. None of them enjoys real support either among young people or other broad segments of the population. These are Farid Zahran, a leftist opposition figure, Abdel Sanad Yamama, a lawyer, and Hazem Omar, who heads the Republican People's Party.

Al-Sisi led Egypt in 2014 as a result of elections in which he received 96.91% of the vote. In April 2019, amendments were adopted in Egypt, according to which the presidential term was increased from four to six years, while maintaining the restriction on the right to one re-election. A "transitional article" was also introduced, extending al-Sisi's presidential powers for another two years - until 2024, and also allowing him to be re-elected for a third term.

In addition, according to the amendments, the powers of the head of state have been expanded: since their adoption, the President has been able to appoint judges, including the Supreme Constitutional Court, and the Prosecutor General.

If necessary, the second round of presidential elections outside the country will be held from January 5-7, and on Egyptian territory from January 8-10. In this case, the final announcement of the results will take place on January 16.