Large numbers of Egyptians streamed into polling places, taking the first step toward moving their revolution from Tahrir (or Liberation) Square into the halls of government. Voters standing in long lines, some waiting uncomplainingly for up to three hours, applauded the promise of an end to the rigged parliamentary and presidential elections under toppled president Hosni Mubarak, which they derided as frauds that produced precooked results.
Before, we could all just sit at home, said Khalid Hassan, a 46-year-old window repairman voting in Cairos humble Abassiyah neighborhood. We knew they would just say what they wanted about the results, and our vote had no meaning. I could say no, they would say yes. I could say yes, they would say no.
The turnout, described as unprecedented by State Information Service Director Ismail Khairat, was estimated by the governments High Judicial Commission at 60 percent, three times that of the last election. It suggested an eagerness by millions of Egyptians to carry forward the democratic uprising that began Jan. 25 in Tahrir Square and led to Mubaraks departure Feb. 11.
Whatever the verdict on the proposed amendments, the vote propelled Egypt to the front of the line in a reform movement that has swept through Arab nations across the Middle East over the last three months.
Egyptians swarm polls in first vote since revolution - The Washington Post
Before, we could all just sit at home, said Khalid Hassan, a 46-year-old window repairman voting in Cairos humble Abassiyah neighborhood. We knew they would just say what they wanted about the results, and our vote had no meaning. I could say no, they would say yes. I could say yes, they would say no.
The turnout, described as unprecedented by State Information Service Director Ismail Khairat, was estimated by the governments High Judicial Commission at 60 percent, three times that of the last election. It suggested an eagerness by millions of Egyptians to carry forward the democratic uprising that began Jan. 25 in Tahrir Square and led to Mubaraks departure Feb. 11.
Whatever the verdict on the proposed amendments, the vote propelled Egypt to the front of the line in a reform movement that has swept through Arab nations across the Middle East over the last three months.
Egyptians swarm polls in first vote since revolution - The Washington Post