Egypt takes key step forward in democratic transition

CAIRO. November 30. KAZINFORM Calmly and enthusiastically, Egyptians have finished the first stage of the People's Assembly vote, a positive step in the country's democratic transition process after the fall of ex-president Hosni Mubarak in February; Kazinform refers to Xinhua.

A high turnout estimated at 70 percent, judicial monitoring and little violence, make Egyptians feel they have really enjoyed a free and fair vote for the first time in decades, as the previous elections during the former regime were often accused of fraudulence and corruption.

Wednesday's major Egyptian newspapers described the historical vote as a successful democracy test and the birth of new Egypt. The vote also won acclaims from international community. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday hailed the polls as an important step towards the establishment of civilian rule.

The vote was held under complicated situation in Egypt. Just ten days prior to the polls, mass protests erupted and fatal clashes followed in Cairo and some other cities, pressing Prime Minister Essam Sharaf's cabinet to resign on Nov. 20. Some political forces called for a delay of the vote.

However, all the positive aspects of the voting on Monday and Tuesday indicate that Egypt has taken a positive step on its transitional road, which has witnessed frequent protests, sporadic serious violence and an economic slowdown in the past ten months due to the instable and uncertain circumstances; Kazinform cites Xinhua.

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