Joy, dancing overwhelm Egyptian streets on 1st day of election

CAIRO – 26 March 2018: Joy and dancing overwhelm the Egyptian streets on the first day of the 2018 presidential election.

Many national songs such as Hakim’s “Abu el-Rugula”, translated to “father of manhood”, and “A’alo Eh”, translated to "what did they say?" have been sung by many Egyptians in a revival of the patriotic spirit, all while showing inked fingers outside polling stations. Egyptians living in Upper Egypt celebrated using the rababa, a traditional musical instrument.


Egyptians living in Upper Egypt celebrated using the rababa, a traditional musical instrument-Press Photo

Many women flocked to polling stations across different governorates, raising flags, ululating and dancing to national songs, creating a festive atmosphere in front of the polling stations while casting their votes.


Many women flocked to the polling stations across different governorates, raising flags, ululating and dancing to national songs-Press Photo

About 60 million Egyptians have begun to cast their ballots, and will continue to do so for three consecutive days. The election will see who will become the country’s next president, in a race that pits incumbent President Abdel Fatah al Sisi against head of al-Ghad Party, Moussa Moustafa Moussa.



For those working full-time but wanting to vote, the polls are open for 12 hours on all of the three voting days, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.



The 2018 presidential election is the third election to take place since the January revolution in 2011.

A run-off round, if needed, is scheduled to take place in April.Otherwise, results will be announced on April 2.