Egyptians in UAE vote in first parliamentary election since Morsi’s removal

Egyptian expatriates cast their votes in their country’s parliamentary election at the consulate in Dubai. Sarah Dea / The National

DUBAI // Egyptian expatriates in the UAE were on Saturday among thousands casting votes in embassies and consulates in 139 countries for the first parliamentary election since president Mohammed Morsi was removed in 2013.

Tight security could not lessen the excitement and optimism as voters arrived at the Egyptian embassy in Umm Hurair on Saturday.

“It is important we have our say to vote for who we think is right for our country,” said Emil Ibrahim, 60, a project manager in the aluminium and glass industry who moved to Dubai 20 years ago.

“As I am living here in the UAE I was not sure of who I was voting for, so I asked my friends in Egypt for all the information on them. This is the next step for democracy and our future. We need a new future for my country, not like before. We need real change.”

Two days of voting will form phase one of the process in half of Egypt’s governorates, with phase two on November 21 and 22. A result is expected on December 1.

Most of the candidates were pro-government, but expatriates knew little about them. The vote will mark the final step in a transition to democracy.

Critics said the next legislature was likely to do little but bolster the power of president Abdel Fattah El Sisi, a former general who led Mr Morsi’s overthrow.

Sherif El Bideway, consul general of Egypt for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said voter turnout in Dubai was moderate.

“It is still early,” Mr El Bideway said. “It is the first parliamentary election since the revolution, so this will be one of the most important parliaments.

“We are hoping there will be a large participation from Egyptian voters, not just here but all over the world. Most are aware of the situation in Egypt and the candidates have explained their programmes.

“From what I have seen, people have a clear idea of who to vote for.”

Egypt is split into regional voting districts, each with up to 35 candidates. There are 14 governorates in 103 districts, and representatives must achieve 50 per cent of the vote to be elected.

Candidates presented their credentials online.

In Dubai, voting was supervised and the results sent to Cairo.

Dr Faten Halawa, who works at a private medical clinic in Sharjah, has been in Dubai for 27 years and described the process as smooth and efficient.

“Everything is perfect and it has taken just a few seconds,” Dr Halawa said. “This is an important time for Egypt. This is our country and if people want to continue forward, we must vote.

“I searched the background for everyone of the candidates to find out where they worked and what kind of person they are, and how they can help the people. It was not about their name, or the advice of others but of who they are, and that is very important.”

Eman Ibrahim, a beauty adviser working at Dubai Investment Park, said: “This vote is very good for me and my country. This is an exciting time for Egypt.”