Vote-buying and other misuses of campaign funds accounted for most violations of election rules during the second round of Egypt’s parliamentary elections, according to various bodies responsible for observing the poll. Observers highlighted several types of infringement related to the use of political funds by candidates over the two-day voting period. These included the distribution of money bribes, food and drinks, posters and flyers, as well as the use of microbuses to advertise the candidates and transfer voters. Children were also seen wearing campaign t-shirts outside polling stations. Mohamed El-Shentnawy, manager of the parliamentary observatory mission led by the Maat foundation, told Daily News Egypt: “The candidates were well prepared for this round. They avoided repeating the mistakes of the first round, and used creative methods of bribery which resulted in the improved turnout of 17% in this round, compared with around 11% to 12% in the first round.”
According to the Egyptian Social Democratic Party (ESDP), the turnout in the second round was 16.5%.
El-Shentnawy also said the large number of violations during this round will impact on the results, because so many people were given directions on who to vote for.
Despite these violations, government officials have released no details of major breaches of electoral integrity and transparency.
Full Article: Candidates used funds to buy votes: Election observers – Daily News Egypt.