Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Egyptians go into second day of polls

Updated at 10:07 pm on 24 May 2012

Egyptians are queuing at polling stations for a second day in the country's first free presidential elections - 15 months after Hosni Mubarak was ousted.

The military council which assumed presidential power in February 2011 has promised a fair vote and civilian rule.

Voting began at 8am on Wednesday, with long lines of voters outside polling stations around the country.

The interior ministry estimated turnout at less than 25% in some areas and about 40% on others.

A run-off vote is scheduled for 16 and 17 June if there is no outright winner.

The economy has deteriorated since the overthrow of Mr Mubarak. Tourism has dropped by a third.

Foreign direct investment has reversed from $US6.4 billion in 2010 to $500 million leaving it last year.

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