Heightened security measures across 14 governorates dominated Wednesday’s elections news, as frantic candidates continue campaigning down to the wire.
Police forces have been deployed across the country as officials finish preparing the polling stations for voting, which starts on Saturday.
While expatriates will cast their votes on Saturday and Sunday, within the country the first phase of elections kicks off on October 18-19 in Alexandria, Assiut, Aswan, Beheira, Beni Suef, Fayoum, Giza, Luxor, Matrouh, Minya, the New Valley, Qena, the Red Sea and Sohag.
The Interior Ministry has been distributing a pamphlet to police forces nationwide called The Role of Security in the House of Representatives Elections for the Year 2015. The brochure highlights “the policeman’s most important duties during the elections process,” the ministry’s website explained, along with the “rights and duties associated with monitoring elections.”
Candidates have been hectically promoting themselves as the clock ticks down, while gubernatorial and security officials are desperately urging people to cast their ballots amid talk of widespread apathy and predictions of a low-turnout.
Over the past few days, state and privately owned TV channels have broadcast a public service announcement featuring a cast of celebrities reminding Egyptians that it’s their patriotic duty to vote.
The For the Love of Egypt list — mainly comprised of enthusiastic supporters of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi — bought an ad spot on national TV channels to advocate for its campaign and remind viewers that its symbol is the lotus flower. Technically, however, the list may be in violation of rules against campaigning too early, as the spot will reach viewers who won’t be voting until the second round of elections in November.
This list has also paid for massive billboards displayed around Cairo, even though elections are not due in the capital until November 22 and 23.
Though these cases were not highlighted, the state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram has denounced other campaign violations, namely the posting of campaign posters and banners on government buildings and public property.
The privately owned Al-Watan newspaper posted photos of public squares and statues of historical figures covered in campaign posters, including a commemorative statue of war hero Abdel Riyad in Sohag Governorate. Statues of decorated military veterans and an iconic statue of a mermaid in Alexandria have been similarly afflicted.
Citing the High Elections Commission, Al-Watan reported that violators of campaign regulations may be fined up to LE100,000.
