COMESA Committee of Elders chief Felix Mutati praised the outcome of the first phase of the parliamentary elections held in 14 Egyptian governorates over two days.

At a press conference held on Sunday, Mutati said the election process was "transparent and calm", highlighting the role of security troops in securing the electioneering process.

He said election is a new step for achieving democracy in Egypt after the amendment of the Egypt's constitution and the presidential elections, noting that COMESA mission has followed up 90 percent of the electoral committees in the first phase which was held amid calm and organized circumstances.

He went on to say that security reinforcements helped voters to cast their ballots, adding that members of the follow-up mission detected well preparations in the election stations and the use of modern technology to help the elderly and people with special needs to take part.

Mutati also said there was "weak" participation by youths in the voting in the first phase, citing lack of knowledge about elections and a regular work days during the two days of voting for such weak turnouts

Source: MENA