EgyptVotes

The debate around the non-voting fine for the elections continues. While waving the threat in voters' faces may have increased voter turnout, the fine also contributed to spoiling many votes as politically unaffiliated and non-classified voters were forced to vote. EgyptVotes correspondent in Ismailia investigated the feasibility of applying the fine amidst the confusion of legal opinions about it.

Besides the ideological divisions between Islamist candidates versus more secular candidates, the run-off elections in the 3rd district in Sohag between candidates from Tama and Tahta, are starting to be tinged with a tribe-based dimension.

As results of the first two phases of the elections revealed the strength of the Islamists, a question strongly poses itself in the political arena now in the governorate of Matrouh: Will Islamists solidify their advanced ranking again in the governorate election or will older forces in the tribe manage to end the elections in their favour?

A very unique face-off is taking place in the fourth electoral district of the Coptic-dominated Asyut. Two Muslim Brotherhood (MB) candidates are running against a Coptic candidate and a Salafi candidate for the professional and workers seats respectively. The stage seems to be set for an alliance between the Salafi and Coptic candidates to improve their chances of success. Will they let go of their traditional rivalry for the sake of their common interests?

On the second day of voting in Giza governorate's first electoral district, the geographical make-up of the district, which includes two contradictory swathes of Cairo's social classes, represents an intersection of every voting bloc's needs and inclinations.