Elections in Egypt Enters Day 2

Former military chief ……Al Sisi is the favourite to win the elections

He cast his vote at a polling station in Heliopolis, Cairo, amid a crowd of reporters and spectators.

Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb has declared the day a public holiday to boost voter turn-out.

The scale of turnout will be seen as an indication of the strength of endorsement of the winning candidate.

“The tight security drums home a familiar message from the military-backed interim authorities – that the dangers of Islamist militants are ever present.” a BBC correspondet said.

According to the Interior Ministry, more than 250 000 members of the security forces have been deployed in different stations across the country.

Mr Sisi is expected to win comfortably against his opponet Hamdeen Sabahi.

In his election campaign, Mr Sisi set out plans to develop agriculture, housing, education, impoverished areas and employment.

Hamdeen Sabahi, on the other hand promised to combat corruption and incompetence while promoting civil rights.

Both candidates say they will not legalise the Muslim Brotherhood.

By Mildred Amoni

Source: BBC