CAIRO: Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II has urged Egyptians to “fulfil their duty” by taking part in the presidential election set to begin on Monday.
Pope Tawadros said he expects the entire world to be focused on the turnout of this presidential vote during a recent sermon, according to Al Masry El-Youm.
“I appeal to every patriotic, honorable, sincere Egyptian national to not to deprive the homeland of (their) duty. Positive participation in the presidential election is a duty like a soldier’s duty on the front (lines).”
He encouraged participation in the voting process despite expecting a ‘certain candidate’ to sweep to victory.
“It seems that a candidate will succeed in sweeping the next presidential election,” he said.cMore voices have been calling on the Egyptian people to take part in the presidential vote.
Polls will open on Monday for voters to choose between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and little-known candidate Mousa Mostafa Mousa, who supports the former field marshal.
A group of Egyptian celebrities have taken part in a promotional video urging citizens to participate in the elections, and specifically vote for El-Sisi.

The stars list their reasons on why voters should pick El-Sisi as president for a second term by recounting “the numerous challenges” he went through during his time in office, according to news website Egypt Today.
“He made us all believe that our dreams could come true,” says one actor.
“Four years ago, we all headed to the presidential election ballots, we all gave our votes to President Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi for the presidency of Egypt. Many accomplishments took place during those four years,” noted actor Ahmed Abdel Aziz said.