(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Hundreds of Egyptians from Dubai and Northern Emirates flocked to the Consulate in Dubai to cast their votes as part of the three-day presidential elections.
Ahmad Raafat Deputy Consul General of Egypt, told Khaleej Times that the first day of the elections witnessed large numbers of voters who were so keen to chip in and be part of drawing the future of their country.
"So many Egyptians, men and women, old and young, are raising the national flags of Egypt, and banners reading long-live Egypt high."
The election committee in charge at the consulate was surprised by the number of Egyptian expats who went to the polling stations early; even before the doors were open, he added.
"The citizens showed up at 7am; two hours before due opening time at 9am," he said. "They were so motivated to participate in the democratic process and shape the future of their great nation."
Despite the rising temperature, many are coming accompanied by their friends and families to cast their votes, Raafat underlined.
"Some came from remote areas across Dubai and northern emirates to support their country."
Wael Gad, Ambassador of Egypt to the UAE, earlier said both the embassy and consulate were all set to receive the voters registered in the Electoral College during the three-day elections from March 16-18.
"The second round of the presidential elections, if needed, shall be held on April 19-21."
The polling stations would remain open at the embassy in Abu Dhabi and consulate in Dubai on these three days from 9am to 9pm, he stated.
"Whoever wishes to cast their vote has to prove their identity either with a valid or even expired national ID car or a machine-read passport."
"Well-trained diplomatic and administrative cadres from the ministry of foreign affairs in Egypt shall be available for help during the elections."
Egyptians back home will be able to vote in the presidential elections for three days -- from March 26-28, Lasheen Ibrahim, Chairman of the national election authority in Egypt, was quoted as saying.
"The second round of the elections, if needed, will be held in Egypt on April 24-26. The final results of the first round shall be announced on April 2, or on May 1 if a second round was held."
Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.
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