A number of rights groups alleged significant electoral violations during Tuesday’s mid-term Shura Council elections.
Among breaches highlighted by the organizations were early closures of voting centers and failure by the Supreme Electoral Commission to implement rulings calling for a halt to the electoral process. Rights groups also criticized the heavy security surrounding vote-counting committees that prevented access to candidates and observers.
Voter turnout ranged between two to seven percent throughout the country.
A report by Egypt Democracy Watch, which follows the Egyptian Association for Community Participation Enhancement, said during the last hours of voting security forces were seen sending candidates and voters away from polling stations in order to fix the ballots.
The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights alleged that bribes were paid in exchange for votes.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
