Egypt: Large fines for those who do not vote

Egypt’s elections commission threatened to impose fines on those who did not come out and vote in the presidential elections, Quds Press reported yesterday.

In a statement the commission called on all those who are eligible to have a say in the ballot to go to polling stations or risk a fine of 500 Egyptian pounds ($28)

The fine has existed in Egyptian law for more than 30 years, Quds Press said, but was never implemented. Turnout in Egyptian elections has never exceeded 47 per cent.

Voting stations opened on Monday and closed yesterday to elect the country’s next president. Coup leader Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi is expected to win a second term as a result of his campaign to arrest, intimidate and pressure opponents not to run.

He faces only one adversary, Moussa Mustafa Moussa, who has previously voiced support for Al-Sisi.

Read: Egypt elections attempt to ‘legitimise dictatorial regime’, says ERC

Politicians say that the Egyptian authorities have manipulated the elections to guarantee a win for Al-Sisi.

Food was distributed at election centres to encourage the masses to participate, while in other areas voters were given 50 Egyptian pounds ($2.83). The mayor of Mersa Matruh has said 500 residents will received free trips to performe umrah, lesser pilgrimage, in Saudi Arabia.

Sisi announces date for presidential elections – Cartoon [Alaraby.co.uk]