State officials, public figures join masses at polling stations to cast their votes in 2024 Presidential Elections

CAIRO – 10 December 2023: State officials and ministers have joined the masses of citizens casting their ballots at polling stations spread across Egypt, encouraging citizens to exercise their right in choosing their leader for the next six years.

Thousands of polling stations across the country have just opened their doors this Sunday morning at 9 AM, ready to welcome up to 67 million eligible Egyptian voters for the 2024 Presidential Elections.

The Egyptian people are eagerly lining up, determined to exercise their democratic right and ensure their voices are heard as they choose their leader for the next decade, until 2030.

At 9 AM sharp, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, president since 2014, voted in the elections. First Lady Entissar Amer has also cast her ballot in the same polling station in Heliopolis, Cairo.

Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine El-Qabbaj, Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Abbas Helmi, Minister of Local Development Hisham Amna, Minister of Transport Kamel El Wazir, Minister of Religious Endowments Mokhtar Gomaa, and Minister of Public Enterprise Mahmoud Esmat all cast their votes.

Moreover, Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik, Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi, Agriculture Minister El-Sayed El-Quseir, Justice Minister Omar Marwan, and Emigration Minister Soha Gendy also cast their votes.

Moreover, the first day of the elections witnessed the participation of Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayyeb and Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of St. Mark Diocese. Pope Tawadros described voting as a "constitutional right ... that should not be abandoned."

Veteran actress Naglaa Fathi said she voted for President Sisi in the elections because he is a "leader who can get us through all crises." Also, renowned actor Hussein Fahmy cast his ballot, urging citizens to vote amid the ongoing challenges in the region.

Officials participating in the elections have also included Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairman of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), and Parliament member and former football star Hossam Ghaly.

Social Solidarity Minister Qabbaj said taking part in the elections is a “national duty” for all Egyptians to draw a roadmap for the country and build on the accomplishments being made.

Qabbaj urged eligible voters to cast their ballots and vote for the candidate who they believe will ensure stability and development.

She noted that wheelchairs and transportation for people with disabilities have been provided in the 2024 Presidential Elections. Also, election cards have been printed in Braille for the visually impaired.

Qabbaj noted that 15,000 women have been employed to raise awareness among citizens about electoral rights, especially in remote, rural, and underserved areas.

Meanwhile, presidential candidates Farid Zahran, Hazem Omar and Abdel Sanad Yamama also cast their ballots. Zahran cast his vote wearing the famous Palestinian Kuffiye in support of their cause.

After casting his ballot, Yamama said the Egyptians' vast participation in the elections reflects their adherence to democracy.

The 2024 Presidential Elections for citizens inside the country is taking place a few days after the three-day voting process for Egyptians abroad was concluded early in December.

The marathon is held between four contenders, including incumbent President Sisi, President of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party Farid Zahran, President of Al Wafd Party Abdel-Sanad Yamama, and President of the Republican People's Party Hazem Omar.

The four candidates have released their vision to improve people’s lives in the coming six-year presidential term.

The final result will be announced on December 18 if no run-off is required. Voting inside the country will take place from 10-12 December.