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Egypt election - live updates Egypt election - live updates
(40 minutes later)
1.48pm: Voting violations and irregularities have been have sporadic and minor, according to the Egyptian Independent. 2.38pm: Low turnout is emerging as a possible issue. There is various speculation as to the possible cause.
Egyptian blogger the Big Pharaoh tweets:
Voters turnout seems to be lower than parliament elections. Either tomorrow will be hell or some ppl just got disinterested. #EgyElections
— The Big Pharaoh (@TheBigPharaoh) May 23, 2012
Abdel-Rahman Hussein:
Today is a working day, not a holiday for the elections, might explain the low turnout so far #EgyPresElection
— Abdel-Rahman Hussein (@ElFoulio) May 23, 2012
Al Jazeera's Rawya Rageh:
Overall turnout in #Suez still low, estimated at just 10% so far. Some say it'll increase when workers finish work, sun goes down #Egypt
— Rawya Rageh (@RawyaRageh) May 23, 2012
AFP's Jailan Zayan:
Most say turnout appears lower than in parl elex, but it could be the heat keeping people home for now #Egypt #Egypreselex
— Jailan Zayan (@jazayan) May 23, 2012
2.34pm: Out in the countryside, the electoral picture looks rather bleak, according to reporters for Ahram Online.
In the remote western oasis of Siwa, some voters have to travel up to 12km to reach the polling station, and in Dakhla oasis a judge at one polling station said only 50 out of 1,500 registered voters had cast their ballots by midday.
In a number of villages in upper Egypt, water has been cut off for more than two weeks:
The residents of Nagaa Abdel-Kader and the villages around it are travelling to surrounding areas to get water for the army, police and judges who came to Qena to oversee elections, saying that providing water to their guests is even more important than standing in long queues to vote.
In wealthy parts of Cairo, on the other hand, a bakery chain was offering a free post-voting croissant to anyone who could show an inked finger, while another firm was giving huge discounts on designer sunglasses for inked-finger customers.
2.18pm: All the main candidates have now casts their votes in the election with one notable exception.
Images have appeared of Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh, Mohammed Morsi and Amr Moussa at polling stations.
And here's the leftist Hamdeen Sabahy showing off his inky pinky after voting in Cairo.
But we have yet to see reports of former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq casting his vote. He has been busy warning of the dangers of an Islamist victory, according to AFP (via Ahram's live blog).
It quoted Shafiq saying:
There would be a huge problem. The Brotherhood has proved in the past months that it is completely rejected by the Egyptian people,' he said.
The Egyptian people made a big mistake in trusting the Brotherhood, and now we are suffering from their actions.
1.48pm: Voting violations and irregularities have been sporadic and minor, according to the Egyptian Independent.
Some campaigns are violating the legally mandated period of campaigning silence, but thus far, no evidence of vote rigging and vote buying has been documented.Some campaigns are violating the legally mandated period of campaigning silence, but thus far, no evidence of vote rigging and vote buying has been documented.
1.42pm: Egypt's revolution won't end with the presidential election, Jack Shenker writes in an article for Comment is free. There are battles going on that rarely come to the attention of the international media:1.42pm: Egypt's revolution won't end with the presidential election, Jack Shenker writes in an article for Comment is free. There are battles going on that rarely come to the attention of the international media:
The Islamist/secularist divide gets all the attention and is undoubtedly important – but it's also only one fault-line among many ... As long as the basic tenets of Egypt's Chicago-school economic orthodoxy remain stable, men with beards v women with no headscarves is a political divide that western policymakers and Egyptian elites are happy to contend with.The Islamist/secularist divide gets all the attention and is undoubtedly important – but it's also only one fault-line among many ... As long as the basic tenets of Egypt's Chicago-school economic orthodoxy remain stable, men with beards v women with no headscarves is a political divide that western policymakers and Egyptian elites are happy to contend with.
What they're less keen to acknowledge – because it carries the revolution out of its sheltered borders – are the other trenches that are increasingly being etched at the margins of Egyptian society, dividing those who have reaped pharaonic-esque riches as a result of 20-odd years of "structural adjustment" from those left behind in zones of neoliberal exclusion ...What they're less keen to acknowledge – because it carries the revolution out of its sheltered borders – are the other trenches that are increasingly being etched at the margins of Egyptian society, dividing those who have reaped pharaonic-esque riches as a result of 20-odd years of "structural adjustment" from those left behind in zones of neoliberal exclusion ...
Travel north-east up the river to Damietta, and you'll find Egyptians who have been blocking ports and facing down tanks in protest at the pollution of a nearby foreign-owned chemical factory. You can sail south to Qena, where locals have occupied railway lines and threatened to sever the electricity supply running from the Aswan dam to the north. From those employed directly by the state – like the central security force conscripts who mutinied a fortnight ago – to those locked stubbornly outside it, such as the Bedouins of Dabaa on the Mediterranean coastline who recently stormed a government nuclear plant and blew up an under-construction reactor to demonstrate against the illegal appropriation of their land, Egyptians are asserting control over their communities, their livelihoods and their future.Travel north-east up the river to Damietta, and you'll find Egyptians who have been blocking ports and facing down tanks in protest at the pollution of a nearby foreign-owned chemical factory. You can sail south to Qena, where locals have occupied railway lines and threatened to sever the electricity supply running from the Aswan dam to the north. From those employed directly by the state – like the central security force conscripts who mutinied a fortnight ago – to those locked stubbornly outside it, such as the Bedouins of Dabaa on the Mediterranean coastline who recently stormed a government nuclear plant and blew up an under-construction reactor to demonstrate against the illegal appropriation of their land, Egyptians are asserting control over their communities, their livelihoods and their future.
1.35pm: Here's a nice moment ... activist Wael Ghonim voting.1.35pm: Here's a nice moment ... activist Wael Ghonim voting.
I just voted for AbolFotoh :) twitter.com/Ghonim/status/…I just voted for AbolFotoh :) twitter.com/Ghonim/status/…
— Wael Ghonim (@Ghonim) May 23, 2012— Wael Ghonim (@Ghonim) May 23, 2012
Ghonim, a Google executive behind protest-supporting Facebook page, was cheered by crowds in Cairo after being released by police at the height of the revolution last February.Ghonim, a Google executive behind protest-supporting Facebook page, was cheered by crowds in Cairo after being released by police at the height of the revolution last February.
1.05pm: Amira Nowaira, professor of English literature at Alexandria university (and a Guardian contributor), sent us this account of her voting experience:1.05pm: Amira Nowaira, professor of English literature at Alexandria university (and a Guardian contributor), sent us this account of her voting experience:
Spirits ran high this morning in the long all-women queues standing outside Sami El Baroudi's School polling centre in Glym, Alexandria, as I waited patiently with other women to cast our ballots in Egypt's presidential elections 2012.Spirits ran high this morning in the long all-women queues standing outside Sami El Baroudi's School polling centre in Glym, Alexandria, as I waited patiently with other women to cast our ballots in Egypt's presidential elections 2012.
It was a fairly diverse mix of classes, backgrounds and ages. If there had been fears that presidential elections would be either boycotted or treated with apathy, they were not apparent in this congregation.It was a fairly diverse mix of classes, backgrounds and ages. If there had been fears that presidential elections would be either boycotted or treated with apathy, they were not apparent in this congregation.
Many elderly women hardly able to walk were helped by family members into the school to cast their votes. The Coptic woman standing right in front of me told me that she had to travel a long way to get to this polling centre. "It's the first time for me to vote in any election, she said. "My husband told me to forget it because it wouldn't make one bit of difference. But I think he's wrong and I told him that. So here I am. I only wish they had put me in a polling centre near my home!"Many elderly women hardly able to walk were helped by family members into the school to cast their votes. The Coptic woman standing right in front of me told me that she had to travel a long way to get to this polling centre. "It's the first time for me to vote in any election, she said. "My husband told me to forget it because it wouldn't make one bit of difference. But I think he's wrong and I told him that. So here I am. I only wish they had put me in a polling centre near my home!"
It was difficult to detect an overwhelming support for any single candidate. Most surprising of all, however, was the predominance of outspoken anti-MB [Muslim Brotherhood] sentiments. "I voted MB in parliamentary elections," said a veiled woman of around 50, "but never again. They're a bunch of liars. Did you see what they did in parliament? Simply scandalous."It was difficult to detect an overwhelming support for any single candidate. Most surprising of all, however, was the predominance of outspoken anti-MB [Muslim Brotherhood] sentiments. "I voted MB in parliamentary elections," said a veiled woman of around 50, "but never again. They're a bunch of liars. Did you see what they did in parliament? Simply scandalous."
Another woman standing close by agreed with her whole-heartedly. But when she said that she would opt for Aboul Fotouh, many of those standing by reminded her that he was also [formerly] MB. "Don't be fooled by his sweet smile. He'll show his true character once he becomes president," they told her. While there were some Amr Moussa supporters, especially among the elderly, Hamdeen Sabbahi seemed to be the favourite of many.Another woman standing close by agreed with her whole-heartedly. But when she said that she would opt for Aboul Fotouh, many of those standing by reminded her that he was also [formerly] MB. "Don't be fooled by his sweet smile. He'll show his true character once he becomes president," they told her. While there were some Amr Moussa supporters, especially among the elderly, Hamdeen Sabbahi seemed to be the favourite of many.
Almost everybody I spoke to agreed that the youngest candidate, Khaled Aly, who spent his life championing the cause of workers, was by far the best choice. "But he stands little chance," they said regretfully.Almost everybody I spoke to agreed that the youngest candidate, Khaled Aly, who spent his life championing the cause of workers, was by far the best choice. "But he stands little chance," they said regretfully.
1.00pm: Abdel-Rahman Hussein has made it to a polling station in Noubar street in Cairo that butts on to a wall closing off the interior ministry from the surrounding streets.1.00pm: Abdel-Rahman Hussein has made it to a polling station in Noubar street in Cairo that butts on to a wall closing off the interior ministry from the surrounding streets.
The wall – amongst others – was built after clashes in February following the Port Said stadium disaster which resulted in over 75 deaths.The wall – amongst others – was built after clashes in February following the Port Said stadium disaster which resulted in over 75 deaths.
Abdin school/poll station on Noubar street right next to the military wall that blocks off the Interior Ministry twitter.com/ElFoulio/statu…Abdin school/poll station on Noubar street right next to the military wall that blocks off the Interior Ministry twitter.com/ElFoulio/statu…
— Abdel-Rahman Hussein (@ElFoulio) May 23, 2012— Abdel-Rahman Hussein (@ElFoulio) May 23, 2012
12.39pm: Most voters in a radical, and hot, neighbourhood of Suez are going for Abul Fotouh or the leftist/Nasserist candidate Hamdeen Sabahy, according to an audio update from Jack Shenker.12.39pm: Most voters in a radical, and hot, neighbourhood of Suez are going for Abul Fotouh or the leftist/Nasserist candidate Hamdeen Sabahy, according to an audio update from Jack Shenker.
"Both are seen as pro-revolutionary, pro-change options," he says."Both are seen as pro-revolutionary, pro-change options," he says.
Like many, Jack also reports lower turnout than the parliamentary elections. "None of the polling stations I've been to so far has been very busy. The judge at one said that he had barely got through his first stack of voting slips."Like many, Jack also reports lower turnout than the parliamentary elections. "None of the polling stations I've been to so far has been very busy. The judge at one said that he had barely got through his first stack of voting slips."
Jack warns us to be cautious of opinion polls before the elections suggesting success for former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq. He reminds us that the polls failed to predict the success of the Salafists in the Parliamentary elections.Jack warns us to be cautious of opinion polls before the elections suggesting success for former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq. He reminds us that the polls failed to predict the success of the Salafists in the Parliamentary elections.
Jack goes with the consensus in predicting that Abul Fotouh and Moussa will make it to the run-off in mid June. But don't discount a late surge by Hamdeen Sabahy, he says.Jack goes with the consensus in predicting that Abul Fotouh and Moussa will make it to the run-off in mid June. But don't discount a late surge by Hamdeen Sabahy, he says.
If I had to put my money on it I would say Moussa and Abul Fotouh. But we might just get a surprise, and perhaps Sabahy will edge in ahead of one of them instead.If I had to put my money on it I would say Moussa and Abul Fotouh. But we might just get a surprise, and perhaps Sabahy will edge in ahead of one of them instead.
Earlier Jack tweeted this from polling station in Arba'een area of Suez.Earlier Jack tweeted this from polling station in Arba'een area of Suez.
Voting in arba3een neighbourhood of Suez, close to burnt-down policeHQ which became visual symbol of revolution #Egypt twitter.com/hackneylad/sta…Voting in arba3een neighbourhood of Suez, close to burnt-down policeHQ which became visual symbol of revolution #Egypt twitter.com/hackneylad/sta…
— Jack Shenker (@hackneylad) May 23, 2012— Jack Shenker (@hackneylad) May 23, 2012
12.14pm: There are mixed reports about today's turnout.12.14pm: There are mixed reports about today's turnout.
The BBC's Paul Danahar tweets:The BBC's Paul Danahar tweets:
Judge at this polling station says already logged 10% of eligible voters by lunch time which means high turnout #Egypt twitter.com/pdanahar/statu…Judge at this polling station says already logged 10% of eligible voters by lunch time which means high turnout #Egypt twitter.com/pdanahar/statu…
— Paul Danahar (@pdanahar) May 23, 2012— Paul Danahar (@pdanahar) May 23, 2012
But New York Times stringer Liam Stack tweets:But New York Times stringer Liam Stack tweets:
A lot of people are reporting surprisingly short lines, suggests low turnout this morning. Any ideas why?A lot of people are reporting surprisingly short lines, suggests low turnout this morning. Any ideas why?
— Liam Stack (@liamstack) May 23, 2012— Liam Stack (@liamstack) May 23, 2012
And journalist Bel Trew:And journalist Bel Trew:
Judge says in Wadi Al-Gedid governorate seen V. low turnout. In 1 polling station,only 50 out of 1500 had cast their votes #EgyPresElexJudge says in Wadi Al-Gedid governorate seen V. low turnout. In 1 polling station,only 50 out of 1500 had cast their votes #EgyPresElex
— Bel Trew - بل ترو (@Beltrew) May 23, 2012— Bel Trew - بل ترو (@Beltrew) May 23, 2012
The Egypt Independent reports low turnout in rural areas.The Egypt Independent reports low turnout in rural areas.
Outside of Cairo, voters' turnout ranged between low and moderate so far.Outside of Cairo, voters' turnout ranged between low and moderate so far.
In villages surrounding the Upper Egyptian city of Sohag, where more than 2 million citizens are eligible to vote, low turnout was reported in the morning since the polls opened at 8 am. The urban centres, meanwhile, witnessed longer lines of voters.In villages surrounding the Upper Egyptian city of Sohag, where more than 2 million citizens are eligible to vote, low turnout was reported in the morning since the polls opened at 8 am. The urban centres, meanwhile, witnessed longer lines of voters.
12.07pm: Abdel-Rahman Hussein has more on the death last night of a policeman, plus more on the mood in southern Cairo.12.07pm: Abdel-Rahman Hussein has more on the death last night of a policeman, plus more on the mood in southern Cairo.
According to eyewitnesses, the policeman was shot last night after a group of men squabbled over fare for a Toktok, the ubiquitous three-wheel mode of transportation in working-class neighbourhoods.According to eyewitnesses, the policeman was shot last night after a group of men squabbled over fare for a Toktok, the ubiquitous three-wheel mode of transportation in working-class neighbourhoods.
In the southern district of Imbaba, posters for Islamist candidates were ever present while posters for secular candidates were conspicuous by their absence. In front of the Gihad poll station, mother-of-two Mariham is voting for the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi because of the group's "Renaissance" program. She agrees that their performance in parliament has not been exemplary but feels with the presidency in the bag, it will be easier for them to implement their program.In the southern district of Imbaba, posters for Islamist candidates were ever present while posters for secular candidates were conspicuous by their absence. In front of the Gihad poll station, mother-of-two Mariham is voting for the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi because of the group's "Renaissance" program. She agrees that their performance in parliament has not been exemplary but feels with the presidency in the bag, it will be easier for them to implement their program.
With baby in arm, she's buzzing about the elections. "We never voted before, even people who don't read or write are out today to vote."With baby in arm, she's buzzing about the elections. "We never voted before, even people who don't read or write are out today to vote."
11.54am: Cairo-based journalist Ashraf Khalil says he has been losing sleep about the prospect of former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq winning the election.11.54am: Cairo-based journalist Ashraf Khalil says he has been losing sleep about the prospect of former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq winning the election.
Speaking on the latest Arabist podcasts he said: "The prospect of Ahmed Shafiq presidency scares the hell out of me ... Sections of the country would go into convulsions if Shafiq won this."Speaking on the latest Arabist podcasts he said: "The prospect of Ahmed Shafiq presidency scares the hell out of me ... Sections of the country would go into convulsions if Shafiq won this."
The nickname for Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohammed Morsi is the "spare tyre", the podcast said, because he is a stand-in for the movement's preferred candidate.The nickname for Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohammed Morsi is the "spare tyre", the podcast said, because he is a stand-in for the movement's preferred candidate.
11.49am: Egyptian voters who took part in protests in Tahrir against Hosni Mubarak's regime and who have contributed to our live coverage of the Arab Spring in Egypt share their views on the presidential elections in a new Guardian interactive. We asked them: To what extent is this Egyptian presidential election fulfilling the hopes and aspirations that emerged during the revolution? If you are voting in the election, share your responses in the comments.11.49am: Egyptian voters who took part in protests in Tahrir against Hosni Mubarak's regime and who have contributed to our live coverage of the Arab Spring in Egypt share their views on the presidential elections in a new Guardian interactive. We asked them: To what extent is this Egyptian presidential election fulfilling the hopes and aspirations that emerged during the revolution? If you are voting in the election, share your responses in the comments.
11.23am: The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate is preparing to vote.11.23am: The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate is preparing to vote.
Dr. Morsi waiting for his turn to cast his vote in Sharqeya "@moraselon: محمد #مرسى يلتزم بطابور الانتخاب fb.me/1YKMiHhS6" #EgyPresElexDr. Morsi waiting for his turn to cast his vote in Sharqeya "@moraselon: محمد #مرسى يلتزم بطابور الانتخاب fb.me/1YKMiHhS6" #EgyPresElex
— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) May 23, 2012— Ikhwanweb (@Ikhwanweb) May 23, 2012
Meanwhile the former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq has been giving a press conference.Meanwhile the former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq has been giving a press conference.
At Shafik press conf "Security, Security, Security" "voters want strong president" Shafik calls on all to respect decision #EgyElexAt Shafik press conf "Security, Security, Security" "voters want strong president" Shafik calls on all to respect decision #EgyElex
— Ayman Mohyeldin (@AymanM) May 23, 2012— Ayman Mohyeldin (@AymanM) May 23, 2012
Many have claimed the press conference represented a clear breach of electoral rules which ordered campaigning to stop 48 hours before the polls opened.Many have claimed the press conference represented a clear breach of electoral rules which ordered campaigning to stop 48 hours before the polls opened.
11.08am: Regarding the killing of the policeman (see 11.01am), our reporter Abdel-Rahman Hussein says: "It happened last night, not this morning, and seemed to be a personal squabble according to witnesses I'm talking to here."11.08am: Regarding the killing of the policeman (see 11.01am), our reporter Abdel-Rahman Hussein says: "It happened last night, not this morning, and seemed to be a personal squabble according to witnesses I'm talking to here."
11.01am: There are reports that a policeman has been shot and killed at a polling station in the district of Rod El-Farag in central Cairo. The polling station is situated right next to the local police station. The assailants and their motives are still unknown.11.01am: There are reports that a policeman has been shot and killed at a polling station in the district of Rod El-Farag in central Cairo. The polling station is situated right next to the local police station. The assailants and their motives are still unknown.
10.56am: Al-Jazeera's Adam Makary tweets a step by step account of voting in Suez.10.56am: Al-Jazeera's Adam Makary tweets a step by step account of voting in Suez.
First, you show your national ID card to match your number with those registered to vote. Then, you sign #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…First, you show your national ID card to match your number with those registered to vote. Then, you sign #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…
— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012
Second step, pick up your voting card. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…Second step, pick up your voting card. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…
— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012
And you wait... with ballot and pen in hand. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…And you wait... with ballot and pen in hand. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…
— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012
After you tick off the box selecting your preferred candidate, you drop your ballot into a sealed box. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…After you tick off the box selecting your preferred candidate, you drop your ballot into a sealed box. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…
— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012
Finally, you collect your ID card, dip your finger in purple, permanent ink and off you go. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…Finally, you collect your ID card, dip your finger in purple, permanent ink and off you go. #Suez #EgyElex twitter.com/adamakary/stat…
— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012— آدم (@adamakary) May 23, 2012
10.44am: AP has been gauging opinion among voters in the port city of Alexandria.10.44am: AP has been gauging opinion among voters in the port city of Alexandria.
"It's a miracle," said Selwa Abdel-Malik, a 60-year-old Christian as she was about to vote. "And it's a beautiful feeling too.""It's a miracle," said Selwa Abdel-Malik, a 60-year-old Christian as she was about to vote. "And it's a beautiful feeling too."
Reuters has this image from the city.Reuters has this image from the city.
Photojournalist Matthew Cassel tweets this from Alexandria:Photojournalist Matthew Cassel tweets this from Alexandria:
Haven't heard one person in Alex tell me they're voting for the Brotherhood or other "Islamist" (unless you count Aboul Fotouh). #EgyptHaven't heard one person in Alex tell me they're voting for the Brotherhood or other "Islamist" (unless you count Aboul Fotouh). #Egypt
— matthew cassel (@justimage) May 23, 2012— matthew cassel (@justimage) May 23, 2012
10.43am: How are the mighty fallen ... Farouk Hosny, who spent 24 years as Mubarak's culture minister, joins the queue to vote.10.43am: How are the mighty fallen ... Farouk Hosny, who spent 24 years as Mubarak's culture minister, joins the queue to vote.
Mubarak-era culture minister Farook Hosni standing in line to vote in Dokki. (black suit) #Egypt twitter.com/SultanAlQassem…Mubarak-era culture minister Farook Hosni standing in line to vote in Dokki. (black suit) #Egypt twitter.com/SultanAlQassem…
— Sultan Al Qassemi (@SultanAlQassemi) May 23, 2012— Sultan Al Qassemi (@SultanAlQassemi) May 23, 2012
10.34am: There is a smattering of support for the leftist Hamdeen Sabahy in eastern Cairo, says Abdel-Rahman Hussein.10.34am: There is a smattering of support for the leftist Hamdeen Sabahy in eastern Cairo, says Abdel-Rahman Hussein.
One Sabahy voter, Sameh Adly, told him: "This is something different, one never dreamed one could have the freedom to choose their president. Still it could have been better, the candidates aren't the best. Had ElBaradei still been in the race, he would have been a strong contender."One Sabahy voter, Sameh Adly, told him: "This is something different, one never dreamed one could have the freedom to choose their president. Still it could have been better, the candidates aren't the best. Had ElBaradei still been in the race, he would have been a strong contender."
Activist @3arabawy tweets:Activist @3arabawy tweets:
My extended family, almost all of them, are voting for Hamdeen.My extended family, almost all of them, are voting for Hamdeen.
— Hossam عمو حسام (@3arabawy) May 23, 2012— Hossam عمو حسام (@3arabawy) May 23, 2012
Journalist Jared Malsin tweets an image of a large Sabahy banner in Mohandessin, Cairo.Journalist Jared Malsin tweets an image of a large Sabahy banner in Mohandessin, Cairo.
On the other side of the tracks (literally) in Mohandessin, Cairo. Lots of Morsi, Foutoh, and Sabahhi banners. twitter.com/jmalsin/status…On the other side of the tracks (literally) in Mohandessin, Cairo. Lots of Morsi, Foutoh, and Sabahhi banners. twitter.com/jmalsin/status…
— Jared Malsin (@jmalsin) May 23, 2012— Jared Malsin (@jmalsin) May 23, 2012
10.28am: Presidential candidate Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh displays an inked finger after voting.10.28am: Presidential candidate Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh displays an inked finger after voting.
أبوالفتوح عقب الادلاء بصوته فى الانتخابات الرئاسية twitter.com/masry_LiveBlog…أبوالفتوح عقب الادلاء بصوته فى الانتخابات الرئاسية twitter.com/masry_LiveBlog…
— AlmasryAlyoum_live (@masry_LiveBlog) May 23, 2012— AlmasryAlyoum_live (@masry_LiveBlog) May 23, 2012
10.21am: Queues appear shorter and more orderly than those in parliamentary elections, Abdel-Rahman Hussein, reports in an audio update from a polling station in eastern Cairo.10.21am: Queues appear shorter and more orderly than those in parliamentary elections, Abdel-Rahman Hussein, reports in an audio update from a polling station in eastern Cairo.
"People have learnt their lesson not to mass together early as soon as the polling opens," he says."People have learnt their lesson not to mass together early as soon as the polling opens," he says.
He reckons the outcome of the poll is impossible to call.He reckons the outcome of the poll is impossible to call.
The race is really wide open. We can't rule out any surprises between maybe four or five candidates ...The race is really wide open. We can't rule out any surprises between maybe four or five candidates ...
Candidates will be taking votes off each other. Abul Fotouh will be having his votes taken by Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate. Amr Moussa will have his votes taken by Ahmed Shafiq. That might leave an opening for the dark horse of the race, the nationalist Hamdeen Sabahy.Candidates will be taking votes off each other. Abul Fotouh will be having his votes taken by Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate. Amr Moussa will have his votes taken by Ahmed Shafiq. That might leave an opening for the dark horse of the race, the nationalist Hamdeen Sabahy.
Abdo himself will not be voting, as he explains:Abdo himself will not be voting, as he explains:
I understand this is a great moment and is something that many people aspired for and paid for their lives with. But I am personally boycotting because I feel the transition process has been a disaster, and that the military has appropriated the revolution for its own ends ... Whoever wins is not relevant to the military, because their enormous financial interests and secret empire will be maintained irrespective of the winner.I understand this is a great moment and is something that many people aspired for and paid for their lives with. But I am personally boycotting because I feel the transition process has been a disaster, and that the military has appropriated the revolution for its own ends ... Whoever wins is not relevant to the military, because their enormous financial interests and secret empire will be maintained irrespective of the winner.
9.48am: Abdel-Rahman Hussein emails this from a polling station in Cairo:9.48am: Abdel-Rahman Hussein emails this from a polling station in Cairo:
At the Tawfikeya Secondary School in the district of Shubra a long line of men wait patiently to enter the station to cast their vote. There are huge stacks of voting lists tacked on the wall where voters are looking for their name. Voters however are almost dwarfed by the number of security personnel present, a combination of army troops at the door, military police soldiers on the street and regular police officers.At the Tawfikeya Secondary School in the district of Shubra a long line of men wait patiently to enter the station to cast their vote. There are huge stacks of voting lists tacked on the wall where voters are looking for their name. Voters however are almost dwarfed by the number of security personnel present, a combination of army troops at the door, military police soldiers on the street and regular police officers.
9.46am: The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohammed Morsi will cast his ballot in the wonderfully named Delta town of Zagazig.9.46am: The Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohammed Morsi will cast his ballot in the wonderfully named Delta town of Zagazig.
9.44am: Predicting disaster is virtually mandatory for Egypt analysts, Marc Lynch says in an article for Foreign Policy. But it may not turn out so bad after all:9.44am: Predicting disaster is virtually mandatory for Egypt analysts, Marc Lynch says in an article for Foreign Policy. But it may not turn out so bad after all:
If one had fallen asleep in February 2011 and awoken over the weekend to see a country consumed with excitement by [today's] presidential election, things might look different.If one had fallen asleep in February 2011 and awoken over the weekend to see a country consumed with excitement by [today's] presidential election, things might look different.
Egypt now has an elected parliament, which has underperfomed in some ways but does enjoy real electoral legitimacy. The presidential election is hotly contested by mostly non-disastrous leading candidates in which the outcome is very much unknown.Egypt now has an elected parliament, which has underperfomed in some ways but does enjoy real electoral legitimacy. The presidential election is hotly contested by mostly non-disastrous leading candidates in which the outcome is very much unknown.
Politics, as predicted, has shifted mostly from the streets to the ballot box, and election fever has gripped the country. The military still seems intent on carving out its own empire within the state, but has consistently refused abundant opportunities to postpone the transfer of power to an elected government.Politics, as predicted, has shifted mostly from the streets to the ballot box, and election fever has gripped the country. The military still seems intent on carving out its own empire within the state, but has consistently refused abundant opportunities to postpone the transfer of power to an elected government.
Islamists, after sweeping parliamentary elections, seem to be losing some ground with the public in part through their own political mistakes (such as fielding a presidential candidate after promising not to do so and poorly managing the Parliament they won). Former regime fullul were wiped out in those same elections, and remain on the defensive. Could it be that Egypt's disastrous transition might still end up pretty much okay?Islamists, after sweeping parliamentary elections, seem to be losing some ground with the public in part through their own political mistakes (such as fielding a presidential candidate after promising not to do so and poorly managing the Parliament they won). Former regime fullul were wiped out in those same elections, and remain on the defensive. Could it be that Egypt's disastrous transition might still end up pretty much okay?
9.34am: Google has chosen to mark the elections with a doodle.9.34am: Google has chosen to mark the elections with a doodle.
Google celebrates Egyptian Presidential elections with a doodle on the search engine's home page for Egypt twitter.com/GoogleArabia/s…Google celebrates Egyptian Presidential elections with a doodle on the search engine's home page for Egypt twitter.com/GoogleArabia/s…
— GoogleArabia (@GoogleArabia) May 23, 2012— GoogleArabia (@GoogleArabia) May 23, 2012
A nod perhaps to Wael Ghonim, the Google executive, who was imprisoned during last year's revolution.A nod perhaps to Wael Ghonim, the Google executive, who was imprisoned during last year's revolution.
9.27am: Journalist Magdi Abdelhadi sounds a cautionary note about Egypt's presidential election. In an article for Comment is free, he says it's a game of the least bad option:9.27am: Journalist Magdi Abdelhadi sounds a cautionary note about Egypt's presidential election. In an article for Comment is free, he says it's a game of the least bad option:
Egyptians, having staged the first popular revolution in their history, are being asked not to choose the future but to choose between various versions of an imagined glorious past.Egyptians, having staged the first popular revolution in their history, are being asked not to choose the future but to choose between various versions of an imagined glorious past.
This is hardly surprising. Nasserism (or pan-Arab nationalism) and Islamism represent the two political discourses that have dominated Egypt – and the so-called Arab world – for the past half a century or so. And, contrary to popular perception, they have more in common than meets the eye.This is hardly surprising. Nasserism (or pan-Arab nationalism) and Islamism represent the two political discourses that have dominated Egypt – and the so-called Arab world – for the past half a century or so. And, contrary to popular perception, they have more in common than meets the eye.
If you take out God, their ideological deep structure is remarkably similar. Both cultivate an inflated sense of collective grandeur, stolen past glory, and whatever went wrong with the nation, it's always someone else's fault: the crusaders, the moguls, the colonial masters, the Americans, Israel, the Shias, the Persians.If you take out God, their ideological deep structure is remarkably similar. Both cultivate an inflated sense of collective grandeur, stolen past glory, and whatever went wrong with the nation, it's always someone else's fault: the crusaders, the moguls, the colonial masters, the Americans, Israel, the Shias, the Persians.
Alien notions such as individual freedom and human rights have recently made entry into their discourse. This is not so much the result of internal revisions but, thanks to the tireless work of the younger generation and local NGOs (some of which are, incidentally funded by the "infidel") and the ever-so-conspiring west.Alien notions such as individual freedom and human rights have recently made entry into their discourse. This is not so much the result of internal revisions but, thanks to the tireless work of the younger generation and local NGOs (some of which are, incidentally funded by the "infidel") and the ever-so-conspiring west.
Such values have yet to translate into powerful grassroots movements or parties that can take on the pan-Arab-nationalist and Islamist dinosaurs. Find me a genuine liberal party in Egypt today and I will find you the proverbial needle in the haystack.Such values have yet to translate into powerful grassroots movements or parties that can take on the pan-Arab-nationalist and Islamist dinosaurs. Find me a genuine liberal party in Egypt today and I will find you the proverbial needle in the haystack.
9.20am: Amr Moussa has joined a queue to vote at a polling station in Cairo.9.20am: Amr Moussa has joined a queue to vote at a polling station in Cairo.
Amr Moussa standing in line to cast his vote in Fatma Anan prep. school polling station, New Cairo. #EgyPresElex twitter.com/hany2m/status/…Amr Moussa standing in line to cast his vote in Fatma Anan prep. school polling station, New Cairo. #EgyPresElex twitter.com/hany2m/status/…
— Hany Rasmy (@hany2m) May 23, 2012— Hany Rasmy (@hany2m) May 23, 2012
9.15am: It looks as though ex-president Mubarak will not be voting, even though he has the right to do so. Unconvicted prisoners have to make a formal request, but it is unclear how they can actually vote if a request is granted, al-Masry al-Youm says, citing interior ministry sources.9.15am: It looks as though ex-president Mubarak will not be voting, even though he has the right to do so. Unconvicted prisoners have to make a formal request, but it is unclear how they can actually vote if a request is granted, al-Masry al-Youm says, citing interior ministry sources.
The sources added that former President Mubarak, who is detained in a medical centre, and 44 former regime officials, held in five different prisons, have all not applied to vote. The law allows detainees to vote as long as they have not been convicted.The sources added that former President Mubarak, who is detained in a medical centre, and 44 former regime officials, held in five different prisons, have all not applied to vote. The law allows detainees to vote as long as they have not been convicted.
The sources said it is impossible for thousands of detainees to vote because voting requires polling stations, civil workers and judges to supervise the elections, particularly as prisoners number over 3,000 in different prisons in Cairo and 1,000 in Tora Prison.The sources said it is impossible for thousands of detainees to vote because voting requires polling stations, civil workers and judges to supervise the elections, particularly as prisoners number over 3,000 in different prisons in Cairo and 1,000 in Tora Prison.
The sources said that the law gives detainees against whom no final judgment has been issued the right to vote by submitting a request to the prison administration, who will write a report about his or her legal situation and alert the Presidential Elections Commission.The sources said that the law gives detainees against whom no final judgment has been issued the right to vote by submitting a request to the prison administration, who will write a report about his or her legal situation and alert the Presidential Elections Commission.
9.10am: The Guardian's former Cairo correspondent Jack Shenker tweets this vignette showing hostility to a supporter of former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq:9.10am: The Guardian's former Cairo correspondent Jack Shenker tweets this vignette showing hostility to a supporter of former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq:
Man on metro starts booming about the greatness of Ahmed Shafiq as we pass through al-Shuhadaa' ('the martyrs') station (formerly 'Mubarak')Man on metro starts booming about the greatness of Ahmed Shafiq as we pass through al-Shuhadaa' ('the martyrs') station (formerly 'Mubarak')
— Jack Shenker (@hackneylad) May 23, 2012— Jack Shenker (@hackneylad) May 23, 2012
Full-ruckus ensues, everyone's shouting and finger-jabbing. Some pro-Sabahi elder women look ready to smack the Shafiq-lover in the faceFull-ruckus ensues, everyone's shouting and finger-jabbing. Some pro-Sabahi elder women look ready to smack the Shafiq-lover in the face
— Jack Shenker (@hackneylad) May 23, 2012— Jack Shenker (@hackneylad) May 23, 2012
9.05am: "It feels like a very big day," says Ian Black in an audio update from Cairo.9.05am: "It feels like a very big day," says Ian Black in an audio update from Cairo.
The preparations are being overseen fairly efficiently by the military. They are taking it [the elections] seriously, most people believe they don't want to hang on directly to power ...The preparations are being overseen fairly efficiently by the military. They are taking it [the elections] seriously, most people believe they don't want to hang on directly to power ...
But there are big political and constitutional questions that need to be worked out, not least the powers of the new president ...But there are big political and constitutional questions that need to be worked out, not least the powers of the new president ...
There is a lot of stake, but a great sense of excitement. There's a headline in one newspaper al-Akhbar which says "Your Vote equals the future of Egypt". A dramatic tone is being struck on what looks like being a dramatic and exciting.There is a lot of stake, but a great sense of excitement. There's a headline in one newspaper al-Akhbar which says "Your Vote equals the future of Egypt". A dramatic tone is being struck on what looks like being a dramatic and exciting.
Most people believe the poll will be fair, but there are lingering suspicions about electoral fraud.Most people believe the poll will be fair, but there are lingering suspicions about electoral fraud.
Ian says that Moussa and Abul Fotouh pass the Cairo taxi driver test as the candidates most likely to make it to a run off in June. But the race is still wide open, he says. And, whoever wins is going to have to get on with the army, which will remain a powerful player whatever its formal constitutional position.Ian says that Moussa and Abul Fotouh pass the Cairo taxi driver test as the candidates most likely to make it to a run off in June. But the race is still wide open, he says. And, whoever wins is going to have to get on with the army, which will remain a powerful player whatever its formal constitutional position.
8.30am: Three foreign NGOs have been authorised to monitor the elections, including the Carter Center. Its founder Jimmy Carter was spotted at a polling station by al-Jazeera's Evan Hill.8.30am: Three foreign NGOs have been authorised to monitor the elections, including the Carter Center. Its founder Jimmy Carter was spotted at a polling station by al-Jazeera's Evan Hill.
Jimmy Carter arrives at this girl's school in Sayyida Zeinab. twitter.com/evanchill/stat…Jimmy Carter arrives at this girl's school in Sayyida Zeinab. twitter.com/evanchill/stat…
— Evan Hill (@evanchill) May 23, 2012— Evan Hill (@evanchill) May 23, 2012
8.24am: Abdel-Rahman Hussein clears up some confusion about the number of candidates standing in the elections.8.24am: Abdel-Rahman Hussein clears up some confusion about the number of candidates standing in the elections.
Although there are 13 names on the ballot, two candidates have pulled out in favour of other candidates. Their names remain on the lists because they pulled out after the 10 May deadline.Although there are 13 names on the ballot, two candidates have pulled out in favour of other candidates. Their names remain on the lists because they pulled out after the 10 May deadline.
8.19am:(All times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Barring major developments elsewhere we will be focusing on Egypt's first ever free presidential elections today.

"It is a genuinely historic moment," writes Ian Black in Cairo in a curtain-raiser to the poll.		8.19am:(All times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Barring major developments elsewhere we will be focusing on Egypt's first ever free presidential elections today.

"It is a genuinely historic moment," writes Ian Black in Cairo in a curtain-raiser to the poll.
It will be the first time, ever, that the Arab world's most populous country has chosen its leader without knowing in advance who the winner would be.It will be the first time, ever, that the Arab world's most populous country has chosen its leader without knowing in advance who the winner would be.
We should be getting updates from Ian and Abdel-Rahman Hussein throughout the day.We should be getting updates from Ian and Abdel-Rahman Hussein throughout the day.
Polling stations opened more than an hour ago and they will close at 8pm tonight, with further voting tomorrow. None of the candidates is expected to win the first round outright. A second round is planned for mid-June.Polling stations opened more than an hour ago and they will close at 8pm tonight, with further voting tomorrow. None of the candidates is expected to win the first round outright. A second round is planned for mid-June.
There are five candidates that matter:There are five candidates that matter:
• Amr Moussa• Amr Moussa
The former foreign minister is still the frontrunner and chief "stability" candidate, is widely supported as a safe pair of hands. After decades of international diplomacy on behalf of Egypt and the Arab League he looks effortlessly presidential in dark suit and tie, surrounded by solicitous aides and guards. But, at 75, Moussa looks tired: he would be nearly 80 by the end of the one four-year term he has said he would serve. Critics say he is too centrist or too grey.The former foreign minister is still the frontrunner and chief "stability" candidate, is widely supported as a safe pair of hands. After decades of international diplomacy on behalf of Egypt and the Arab League he looks effortlessly presidential in dark suit and tie, surrounded by solicitous aides and guards. But, at 75, Moussa looks tired: he would be nearly 80 by the end of the one four-year term he has said he would serve. Critics say he is too centrist or too grey.
• Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh• Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh
An independent Islamist who broke away from the Muslim Brotherhood to run on his own. During his campaign he made much of an incident when as a student leader in the mid 1970s he publicly challenged President Anwar Sadat. His supporters range from liberals suspicious of any "regime remnants" to Salafists whose own candidate was disqualified. "He has become the Rorschach test of Egyptian politics," wrote Shadi Hamid in Foreign Policy. "Liberals think he's more liberal than he actually is. Conservatives hope he's more conservative."An independent Islamist who broke away from the Muslim Brotherhood to run on his own. During his campaign he made much of an incident when as a student leader in the mid 1970s he publicly challenged President Anwar Sadat. His supporters range from liberals suspicious of any "regime remnants" to Salafists whose own candidate was disqualified. "He has become the Rorschach test of Egyptian politics," wrote Shadi Hamid in Foreign Policy. "Liberals think he's more liberal than he actually is. Conservatives hope he's more conservative."
• Mohammed Morsi• Mohammed Morsi
The Muslim Brotherhood's official candidate has run an uninspiring campaign and is considered a poor stand-in for the charismatic but disqualified Khairat al-Shater, a wealthy businessman and senior Brother. The Brothers' hope is that ideology and discipline will win out over personality. Some opinion polls suggested a bump in support for Morsi following his emphasis on Islamic principles during his campaign.The Muslim Brotherhood's official candidate has run an uninspiring campaign and is considered a poor stand-in for the charismatic but disqualified Khairat al-Shater, a wealthy businessman and senior Brother. The Brothers' hope is that ideology and discipline will win out over personality. Some opinion polls suggested a bump in support for Morsi following his emphasis on Islamic principles during his campaign.
• Ahmed Shafiq• Ahmed Shafiq
Like Mubarak an ex-air force commander and an unapologetic opponent of the revolution who is openly anti-Islamist and scorned by opponents as a fuloul – a "remnant" of the old regime. Initially seen as an outsider, he has led in two recent polls and came a close second to Moussa in a third. Victory for him – unlikely but not impossible – could trigger serious unrest.Like Mubarak an ex-air force commander and an unapologetic opponent of the revolution who is openly anti-Islamist and scorned by opponents as a fuloul – a "remnant" of the old regime. Initially seen as an outsider, he has led in two recent polls and came a close second to Moussa in a third. Victory for him – unlikely but not impossible – could trigger serious unrest.
• Hamdeen Sabahy• Hamdeen Sabahy
Perceived as the alternative choice for those wishing to avoid voting for a candidate with an Islamist ideology but not affiliated with the Mubarak regime. His campaign has been poorly funded but he is a populist figure and came third among expat voters. He has support from Egyptian artists – worried about an impending Islamist crackdown on the arts – and Nasser-era Arab nationalists and leftists. Sabahy has tried position himself as the happy medium, taking the good facets of Nasser while leaving the bad – the cult of personality, the one-party system and centralisation of power. His copybook was blotted by his Arab nationalist tendencies, which saw him offer solidarity to notorious dictators such as Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gadafi, though his defenders say that he supported the people of Iraq and Libya against modern-day western imperialism. But his revolutionary credentials are beyond reproach. He broke through a police cordon on 25 January with supporters following suit and has a history of detention going back to the 1970s.Perceived as the alternative choice for those wishing to avoid voting for a candidate with an Islamist ideology but not affiliated with the Mubarak regime. His campaign has been poorly funded but he is a populist figure and came third among expat voters. He has support from Egyptian artists – worried about an impending Islamist crackdown on the arts – and Nasser-era Arab nationalists and leftists. Sabahy has tried position himself as the happy medium, taking the good facets of Nasser while leaving the bad – the cult of personality, the one-party system and centralisation of power. His copybook was blotted by his Arab nationalist tendencies, which saw him offer solidarity to notorious dictators such as Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gadafi, though his defenders say that he supported the people of Iraq and Libya against modern-day western imperialism. But his revolutionary credentials are beyond reproach. He broke through a police cordon on 25 January with supporters following suit and has a history of detention going back to the 1970s.