Low turnout in Egyptian parliamentary elections

The Egyptian parliamentary elections have witnessed a low turnout on the second day of the first phase which began yesterday and comes to an end today.

Egypt’s Al-Shorouk newspaper quoted the chairman of polling station number 94 in Giza, Judge Mohamed Shaarawy as saying: “The polling station has barely received any voters till the afternoon.”

The Joint Local-International Election Observation Mission said bad weather conditions have prevented voters from reaching polling stations in Alexandria.

The first phase covers 14 provinces including Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Asyut, New Valley, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Beheira and Matrouh.

The Supreme Electoral Committee (SEC) announced the turnout had barely exceeded 26 per cent in Egypt and 4.5 per cent abroad across 14 provinces.

Only four candidates were elected in the first round.

The run-offs will see polling in all but four constituencies where 418 candidates will compete for 209 seats.

The second phase of elections is due to take place on 21-23 November.