Egyptian expatriates continued on Tuesday casting their ballots in the runoff of the second phase of parliamentary elections.

Polling stations in New Zealand and Australia have been closed at 9:00 pm (local time) because of the time difference.

The vote count will start shortly in both countries and the results will be sent to the High Elections Committee in Egypt.

Assistant Foreign Minister Hamdy Louza said the first day of elections abroad was calm with no violations reported.

The second phase of parliamentary elections covers the 13 governorates of Cairo, Qalioubiya, Daqahliya, Menoufiya, Gharbiya, Kafr el Sheikh, Sharqiya, Damietta, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, North Sinai and South Sinai.

Runoffs started on December 1-2 for Egyptian at home, and on November 30 to December 1 for Egyptian expatriates.

Some 27.5 million voters are eligible to cast their vote in the second stage compared to 25.5 million in the first stage.

Sources: MENA