This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27570653
The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Egyptians go to the polls to elect new president | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Voting is under way across Egypt to choose a new president, for the second time in two years. | |
A huge security operation has been mounted for the polls to elect a successor to Mohammed Morsi, Egypt's first democratically elected leader who was ousted by the army last year. | |
Analysts predict an easy victory for Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who led the removal of Mr Morsi. | |
The only other candidate is veteran left-winger Hamdeen Sabahi. | The only other candidate is veteran left-winger Hamdeen Sabahi. |
The BBC's Kevin Connolly in Cairo says the tight security drums home a familiar message from Egypt's military-backed interim authorities - that the dangers of Islamist militants are ever present. | |
Mr Sisi, 59, appeals to Egyptians who crave stability after years of political upheaval and anything else than an easy win for him would be a source of astonishment, he adds. | Mr Sisi, 59, appeals to Egyptians who crave stability after years of political upheaval and anything else than an easy win for him would be a source of astonishment, he adds. |
President Morsi was deposed last July following mass protests and he is standing trial on a raft of charges. He strongly denies any wrongdoing. | President Morsi was deposed last July following mass protests and he is standing trial on a raft of charges. He strongly denies any wrongdoing. |
Egypt's interim authorities have since clamped down hard on Mr Morsi's Islamist movement, the Muslim Brotherhood, declaring it a "terrorist organisation". | |
More than 1,400 people have been killed and 16,000 arrested, including the Brotherhood's senior leaders. | |
In his election campaign, Mr Sisi has set out plans to develop agriculture, housing, education, impoverished areas and employment. | In his election campaign, Mr Sisi has set out plans to develop agriculture, housing, education, impoverished areas and employment. |
He is backed by several big businessmen as well as a broad range of political parties from the Islamist right to the moderate left. | He is backed by several big businessmen as well as a broad range of political parties from the Islamist right to the moderate left. |
Hamdeen Sabahi, a previous presidential contender, offers an alternative to young voters who favour a civilian candidate over a former military one. | Hamdeen Sabahi, a previous presidential contender, offers an alternative to young voters who favour a civilian candidate over a former military one. |
He promises to combat corruption and incompetence while promoting civil rights. | He promises to combat corruption and incompetence while promoting civil rights. |
Both candidates say they will not re-legalise the Muslim Brotherhood. | Both candidates say they will not re-legalise the Muslim Brotherhood. |