In an interview with Egypt's state-run news agency MENA, the chairman of the ruling National Transitional Council said he hoped Egypt would be able to emerge unscathed from what he called a critical phase.

 

"A stable Egypt means a stable Arab world. I saw yesterday a large turnout in the elections, which was superb," said Abdel Jalil, who took charge of Libya after dictator Muammar Gaddafi was killed by anti-regime forces in October last year.

 

"I hope the Egyptian people will choose a man who can serve the country in such a difficult period in the history of Egypt, the Arab world and the Middle East."

 

Egyptians on Wednesday and Thursday voted in the country's first presidential elections since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak, who resigned in February 2011 following a popular uprising. The counting of votes is now underway.

 

If no single candidate garners more than 50 per cent of the votes needed for an outright win, a run-off between the top two candidates will take place on 16 and 17 June.

 

"The people will decide the fate of the countries which had revolutions such as Tunisia, Egypt and Libya," Abdel Jalil added.

 

"The future will be better than the past. Egypt, Tunisia and Libya will unite to create a stepping stone for unity in the Arab world."