Egypt's NEA Coordinates Final Day Operations Amid International Observation

The Executive Director, Counselor Ahmed Bendari, led the Central Operations Room of the National Elections Authority (NEA) in conducting video conferences with the heads of general committees across Egypt. These officials, representing primary courts, deliberated on the resumption of polling station activities after the designated break and closely monitored the proceedings on the final day of the presidential elections.

During the video conferences, heads of the general committees assured the smooth operation of both general and sub-committees. They verified the reception of voters, the seamless voting process, and the reopening of polling stations after the designated one-hour break, a crucial period during the election day.

Under the leadership of Counselor Hazem Badawy, the NEA vigilantly oversees all aspects of the third day of voting through its Operations Room, led by Counselor Ahmed Bendari. They address inquiries from judges, assisting staff, and citizens participating in the election.

The presidential elections in Egypt, spanning three days, are active from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Overseeing the electoral process are 15,000 judges from various judicial bodies, presiding over sub-committees or supervising committees. At the conclusion of the third day, these overseeing judges will conduct the vote counting within the sub-committees.

To enhance accessibility, the NEA has taken steps to facilitate elderly and differently-abled voters by strategically distributing them across polling centers. Polling station locations were carefully chosen to cater to the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. Written guidance for voters with hearing impairments is available at all polling stations, and Braille voting cards have been introduced to assist blind voters.

The NEA extended invitations to diplomatic missions within Egypt to observe the electoral process, with 24 embassies currently participating and 67 diplomats registered for observation. Fourteen international organizations have received approval for election monitoring, with 220 accredited observers. Additionally, 62 local civil society organizations have registered 22,340 observers.

Media coverage for the presidential elections includes 528 international observers representing 115 media outlets and 70 local media representatives. Permits were issued for 4,218 journalists and media personnel.

To accommodate expatriates and migrants moving between governorates, the NEA has established special polling stations in response to numerous requests. These stations cover industrial and tourist areas and all provinces with expatriate concentrations, allowing voters outside their constituencies to exercise their constitutional rights.