In televised remarks, Bendary said only two polling stations in Minya experienced a short delay due to the late arrival of supervisors from outside the governorate.
The issue was quickly resolved after the NEA coordinated with authorities, who sent a police vehicle to transport the officials to their assigned subcommittees, he added.
“With that, all 5,606 subcommittees nationwide have opened successfully,” he said, emphasizing that voting is proceeding smoothly under continuous NEA supervision, in coordination with general and monitoring committee heads.
Bendary noted that the NEA maintains direct communication with any subcommittee facing technical or logistical issues to ensure prompt resolution.
He also highlighted facilities to help voters cast their ballots and initiatives to promote awareness, education, and outreach for active participation.
Later, Bendary, who heads the NEA’s central operations room, held a video conference with judges overseeing committees in the 14 governorates to brief the public on the first day of voting.
He instructed committee heads to request additional ballot papers from primary courts if shortages occur due to high turnout, noting that a five percent reserve of total ballots had been allocated.
Judge Essam Saad, head of the First General Committee of the Montazah District in Alexandria, reported that polling had begun on time at 9am across 152 subcommittees, with no obstacles and turnout ranging from moderate to heavy in several locations.
Prime minister, ministers cast votes
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly voted at the Egyptian-Japanese School in Sheikh Zayed City, Giza Governorate.
After voting, he called participation a “vital constitutional entitlement” and urged citizens to vote responsibly, especially following the strong turnout of Egyptians abroad in the first phase, describing it as both a national duty and a constitutional right.
Madbouly praised state institutions, the NEA, and Egyptian diplomatic missions for ensuring smooth and efficient voting at home and abroad.
“With the completion of this constitutional milestone,” he said, “the formation of both chambers of parliament will be finalized, marking the start of a new phase of legislative work and continued cooperation between the government and parliament.”
Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy voted at Badr Preparatory School for Boys in Dokki, Giza. She urged youth, women, older people, and persons with disabilities to exercise their right to vote.
She thanked judges, the NEA, and the Ministry of Interior for managing and securing the process.
Morsy also praised citizens’ engagement, which she said reflects public awareness and confidence in the state.
Nationwide security plan
The Ministry of Interior confirmed it had fully implemented a nationwide security plan approved by Minister Mahmoud Tawfik to safeguard the elections and ensure voter safety.
A senior ministry source told the Middle East News Agency (MENA) that security forces were deployed at all polling stations and access routes, supported by mobile units, rapid response teams, and female officers to handle emergencies.
The plan also covers strategic facilities, public gathering areas, and key transport routes, with traffic patrols and monitoring technologies deployed to maintain smooth flow and assist elderly voters and persons with disabilities.
The source stressed that all security sectors are prepared, neutral, and disciplined, ensuring citizens can vote freely and safely.
Parties monitor voting
The National Front Party activated its central operations room to monitor voting in the 14 governorates.
Chaired by Secretary-General El-Sayed El-Qosier and joined by senior officials Ahmed Raslan and MP Emad Khalil, the team followed the process via direct communication with provincial branches through Zoom.
The party confirmed voting is proceeding normally with no early irregularities and encouraged citizens to participate actively in this constitutional milestone.
The Homeland Protectors Party (Homat Al-Watan) has also launched an operations room to monitor elections. The team maintains continuous communication with party branches across the 14 governorates, ensuring smooth polling and compliance with NEA rules.
Party leaders and members were instructed to observe elections in real time, while adhering strictly to legal guidelines to ensure transparency.
Short link: