Youth drive record turnout for Egypt presidential poll

CAIRO: Egypt’s youth have been praised for their “political maturity and commitment” after the nation recorded what is believed to be its highest-ever voter turnout for a presidential election.
Younger voters made up a substantial number of the 65 percent of Egyptians who took part in last week’s poll — an “unprecedented” participation rate, according to the National Elections Authority.
Results of the election will be announced on Monday, with incumbent President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi widely expected to win a third term.
Parliamentary deputy Tarek El-Khouly told Arab News that the youth’s “eagerness and commitment to play a positive role” were major factors in the high voter turnout.
“We found the youth in the front lines, as well as part of organizations and associations tasked with monitoring and following this most important race in Egypt’s history,” he said.
The significant youth involvement sent a clear message about their political maturity and understanding of national challenges, El-Khouly said.
“This is a positive sign for Egypt’s future.”
Political leaders are seeing the benefits of years of work to include the country’s youth in the political sphere, he said.
A survey by the Egyptian Center for Strategic Studies found up to 65 percent of Egyptians headed to the polling stations during the three-day elections.
Former parliamentary deputy Basel Adel, founder and president of the Dialogue Bloc, said the turnout highlighted the stability and security enjoyed by the Egyptian people.
Growing concerns about national security also played a part, he added, “especially in this period when the world seems to be abandoning all humanitarian values.”
In a statement, Ahmed Bandari, director of the Executive Device for the National Elections Authority, said that many Egyptians had been encouraged to vote by the sight of fellow citizens voting abroad.