In pics: Security measures beefed up as Egyptians at home vote in referendum

Cairo - 20 April 2019: Armed Forces and the Ministry of Interior have beefed up security measures in the streets, around vital facilities and at schools assigned to host referendum process across the country, as Egyptians at home start the first voting day on Saturday.


Security forces outside polling stations - Amr Mostafa/Egypt Today


Armed and security forces outside military and vital facilities as first voting day in referendum in Egypt kicks off - Press photo

The armed forces have ensured all forces participating in security measures are aware of the tasks assigned to them to protect and secure citizens heading to polling stations, and to confront any threats that might encounter the voters during the referendum process.

The armed forces is expected to release statements detailing the way the forces secure polling stations in coordination with police forces, and all measures taken in this regard. surveillance aircrafts and vehicles supported with live streaming techniques are used to provide a live update on the referendum, and to report any problem spotted during the voting process to the main military operation chamber in order to solve it.



The first day of the referendum kicked off in Egypt, where polling stations across governorates have opened their doors at 9 a.m., and will close at 9 p.m. for three consecutive days.


Armed and security forces outside military and vital facilities as first voting day in referendum in Egypt kicks off - Press photo


Armed and security forces outside military and vital facilities as first voting day in referendum in Egypt kicks off - Press photo

TV channels showed queues of voters at some polling stations waiting minutes before the doors were opened and they were allowed in to cast their ballot by either agree or disagree on a set of proposed constitutional amendments passed by the parliament Tuesday.



Queues of voters lined up outside polling stations in Giza to vote in referendum - Photo by Karim Abdel Aziz/Egypt Today


Queues of voters lined up outside polling stations in Giza to vote in referendum - Photo by Karim Abdel Aziz/Egypt Today

A number of societal dialogues were held over the past weeks attended by various segments and experts in the country, to discuss the amendments ahead of a plenary session at the House of Representatives, where parliamentarians voted for passing them.

A total of 61 million eligible voters were called for casting their ballots in the public referendum on the constitutional amendments.