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First time voters show confidence in Egypt elections

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Egyptians have voted in the first parliamentary elections since a popular revolt ended the 30-year rule of former president Hosni Mubarak in February. The vote on Monday was largely peaceful and voter turnout was high. People say they believe the vote will be free and fair.

Egyptians read their ballots at a booth before casting their votes at a polling station during a parliamentary election in Cairo November 28, 2011.

Elections had been held during Mubarak's 30-year rule, but voters say the results were always a foregone conclusion. For many people, these elections are the first time they have ever voted.

In the nine months since Mubarak's resignation, political change in Egypt has been slow, with the military accused of preserving its own power and privileges instead of fostering democratic transformation.

In Cairo, Alexandria and other areas, voters stood patiently in long queues, many of them debating Egypt's political future that for the first time they believe they can shape.

One voter Fathi Abdul Hafiz said: "I've never voted before because I didn't have confidence in the process, but today I feel there is honesty so I have come to vote as it's a duty so I have come to fulfil that duty despite the fact that I'm very tired, but I came anyway. I came to give my voice and may God help those who will reform."

Egyptians read their ballots at a booth before casting their votes at a polling station during a parliamentary election in Cairo November 28, 2011.

Another voter Shadi Mohamed Omar said: "This is the first time I have voted in elections. This is the first time I can guarantee that there will be no fraud and vote rigging. I used to work at the electoral commission so I knew that my vote would not influence the results because those who nominated themselves and then went on to win a seat were well known. That's why I didn't participate back then."

The head of Egypt's election committee expressed surprise at a high voter turnout. Abdelmoez Ibrahim conceded that there were bound to be some irregularities. but he said the election was proceeding smoothly.

Abdelmoez Ibrahim said: "As for the turnout, I was surprised that the people have showed up in great numbers, more than predicted. We were surprised. We anticipate some disputes, and, we have over 18,000 booths, nearly 10,000 polling stations and 10,000 judges, so it's expected that there will be some disputes."

The election of the People's Assembly, Egypt's lower house will take place in three rounds. The second round begins on December 14 and the third on January 3.

The final results are expected to be announced later in January.

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