Counselor Ahmed Bendary, Executive Director of the National Election Authority (NEA), stressed the importance of the participation of Egyptian citizens abroad in the first phase of the House of Representatives election, which began with the voting of Egyptian expats.
He noted that the authority is closely following the electoral process until the end of voting and the commencement of the vote counting.
Speaking at a press conference from the NEA’s Central Operations Room, Bendary stated that the NEA observed a high turnout of voters during the first of the two polling days in several Arab countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
He added that the heads of the diplomatic missions supervising the election handled these large crowds with professionalism and good judgment to accommodate the high number of voters.
He pointed out that the opportunity is still open for all voters wishing to cast their ballots, whose residences are located within the 14 governorates included in the first phase of the electoral process.
Voting will continue until 9:00 PM according to the local time of each country, he said, affirming that the NEA is completely ready to monitor the vote counting in cooperation with the heads and members of the diplomatic missions who will carry out this procedure in light of the rules and regulations set by the authority.
Bendary made calls via video conference with a number of Egyptian ambassadors and consuls responsible for overseeing the polling stations within the embassies and consulates abroad. They all confirmed that the electoral process is proceeding smoothly and regularly, with no obstacles or problems hindering the election.
A number of Egyptian ambassadors said there was a noticeable turnout of voters when the polling centers opened their doors at 9:00 AM, especially in Arab countries, with expectations that these numbers will increase after noon, when official work hours are expected to have ended, making it easier for voters to go to the embassy or consulate to cast their vote.
It is noted that the voting of Egyptians abroad in the House of Representatives election is taking place in 139 polling stations within Egyptian embassies and consulates, distributed across 117 countries worldwide.
The first phase of the electoral process includes 14 governorates; namely Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, New Valley, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Beheira, and Marsa Matrouh.
