The ruling military council issued a statement on Facebook addressed to the Egyptian people less than 48 hours before polls open in the country's first post-Mubarak presidential elections.

The message, issued Monday afternoon, said that "we" referring to themselves as well as the Egyptian people, must accept the results of the elections since they will reflect "the choice of the free people of Egypt in selecting its own president."

The Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) urged Egyptian citizens to participate in voting for the next president in the country's "first steps" towards democracy. In the statement, the SCAF reiterated that the military council does not endorse any candidate.

The statement also said that the armed forces, along with the police and judiciary, will cooperate in securing polling stations throughout the voting period.

Egypt's first post-Mubarak presidential poll will be held on 23 and 24 May, with a runoff round on 16 and 17 June if necessary. Egypt's next president will be formally named on 21 June.