Abu Dhabi: Voting for the Egyptian parliamentary elections’ first phase, which draws to a close at 9pm today (Sunday) in the UAE, witnessed a slightly reduced participation from Egyptian expatriates in Abu Dhabi; however, the turnout improved as the day progressed.

Some voters who made their way to the designated polling stations said that they exercised their democratic right as a way to express their unwavering support for the Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi and build on his crowning achievements.

Wael Gad, Ambassador of Egypt to the UAE, told Gulf News: “We look forward to the new parliament, which will put actions into place that will help take Egypt to greater heights.”

“I also believe that the speech delivered by President Al Sissi yesterday has sparked a sense of further commitment and dedication amongst Egyptians. Voting for the upcoming parliament is a national responsibility and I therefore urge all citizens to exercise this right,” he explained.

Egyptian resident Mustafa Hussain from Alexandria, who works as a teacher, said that this is the first time he is partaking in any elections since the June 30 Revolution.

“Ever since President Al Sissi came to power, situations in Egypt have gradually started to improve. He is also a man of his word. For instance, he promised the public that the new Suez Canal will be inaugurated in a year, and it did go according to schedule.”

“The least I can do is to support someone who cares about the country and has done so much for it to flourish and progressively gain stability once again.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Professor Huda Tawfeek from the Assiut governorate said that she voted for the pro-Al Sissi parliament to follow the president’s footsteps, which will eventually pave the way to a better tomorrow and a stronger Egypt.

“We want our country to rise to strength again and I am willing to do all it takes to see this vision come to life. Supporting the president and the parliament will certainly take us a stop closer towards achieving this goal,” she added.

Restaurant Manager Mohammad Abdullah from Minya, said that the country at some point had undergone a period of political turmoil and faced a plethora of issues that undermined its security and state.

“Egypt, however, is starting to rise again. We have a president who pledged to save the country, which he did. Our duty as Egyptian citizens is to continue supporting him and cast votes for the parliament that will help generate greater good to the community.”

Egypt’s parliament — the House of Representatives — ‎will feature 596 members, of whom 448 will be elected as independents and 120 from party-based lists. President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi will appoint the remaining 28 members.

The first stage of elections saw voting for a total of 286 seats, 226 of those seats for independent candidates and 60 for party-based lists. The second stage from November 21-22 will enable voters from the remaining 13 governorates to cast their ballots.

-Maisoon Mubarak is a Guftrainee at Gulf News.