Cairo: It was an amalgamation of hope, anxiety and excitement more over it was tenacity for the resurrection of nation as millions of people of Egypt on Wednesday cast their votes in Egypt's historic presidential election since President Hosni Mubarak resigned last year amid massive protests.The poll comes nearly a year and a half after dictator Hosni Mubarak resigned and many political leaders promising stability against ascending Islamists seeking to gather power.
The voting will stretch over two days. It seems that the two-day vote will end decades of authoritarian rule, although many are worried about what the nation’s military rulers who claimed power in Egypt after Mubarak left office in early 2011. In all, 13 candidates are on the ballot, but one has dropped out of the race.
An Islamist victory will probably mean a greater emphasis on religion in the government.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which already dominates the newly elected Egyptian parliament, says it won't mimic Saudi Arabia and force women to wear veils or implement harsh punishments like amputations.
But the Brotherhood says it intends to establish a more moderate version of Islamic law, which liberals fear will mean limitations on many human rights in Egypt.
Thirteen candidates were contesting the election.
No flat out winner is expected from these elections, so a runoff between the two top finishers will occur between June 16 and 17.
The final presidential winner will be announced on June 21.