Mohamed Abul Ghar, president of the Social Democratic Party, has attributed the low voter turnout in the parliamentary elections to a lack of public confidence in the next parliament. “They do not believe it would solve the economic and political problems,” he said.
“They find the elections law unfair,” he said in a statement on Monday. “They lost the high hopes they had after the June 30 Revolution.”
He also said that the young generation is angry. “The government has failed in reaching out to the young people,” he said.
But Abul Ghar confirmed that his party will participate in the elections and hopes that turnout will be higher in the second phase.
Twenty-seven million Egyptians, distributed over 103 polling stations, registered to vote in parliamentary elections. Independent candidates constitute 65 percent, while candidates of political parties constitute 35 percent.
There are four major lists competing with 45 candidates in each.
The run-off will take place on October 26 and 27 for Egyptians living abroad, and on October 27 and 28 for voters living in Egypt.
The second phase of the elections will be held on November 22 and 23 in 13 governorates, namely Cairo, Sharqiya, Gharbiya, Monufiya, Daqahlia, South Sinai, North Sinai, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, Qalyubiya, Kafr El-Sheikh and Damietta.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
