Widespread Abuses Suspected In Egyptian Elections

For the first time ever, Egyptians voted in a presidential election with more than one candidate. Despite taking that small, fragile step towards true democracy, widespread abuses have been suspected in the elections and foreign observers were not permitted in to watch what went on at the polls on Wednesday.

Incumbent Hosnai Mubarak, 77, is expected to win re-election with ease and already, his top opponent has accused the government of widespread abuses in the election process.

In the past, Mubarak has run unopposed after being nominated by the National Democratic Party. The public then voted yes or no on Mubarak's candidacy. This time, there are as many as nine other candidates on the ballot although seven of them are considered obscure leaders of small parties. Critics claim this election is merely a show for the West and especially the United States.

Opposition leaders in Cairo started a demonstration calling for a boycott of the election but they were quickly dispersed by plainclothes policemen. Some of the activists were beaten by the police according to a report published by Reuters.

'This is not an election. They are treating this as another referendum. The government has lied (about a fair vote),' said Ayman Nour, 40, running for the Ghad (Tomorrow) Party.

Mr. Nour accused the government of not using indelible ink when marking people's fingers that they voted. As a result, people can wash off the ink and vote again. In addition, Nour accused the government of paying people either 20 pounds or 50 pounds ($3 US and $9 US) for their votes. He also claims opposition leaders were not permitted near polling places.

Many Egyptians are not registered to vote and turnout is expected to be relatively light. Most experts expect Mubarak to win by a very comfortable margin.

Polling places close at 10:00 PM local time Wednesday night. The official results are not expected until Friday or Saturday.