Egypt Election: Voting underway, Sisi expected to easily retain presidency

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Voting is underway in Egypt's presidential election after kicking off early Monday. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is running for a second four year term. His opponent for the top post is Mousa Mustafa Mousa. Our correspondent Yasser Hakim has more from the first day of voting.

Egyptians flocked to the polling stations that opened at 9 in the morning. Around 59 million people are eligible to vote. Egyptians living abroad have already cast their ballots last week. Back here, many Egyptians say they have not been deterred by a bomb attack in Alexandria which killed two policemen, a couple of days before the elections.

WAEL "This has encouraged us to go down and vote. The people are standing stubborn against the terrorists to prove they failed in spoiling the elections. We will continue united for the sake of the country."

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is favourite to sweep the elections.

ASHRAF "I am a truck driver and I travel on international routes and I've seen how he rebuilt the roads and infrastructure and it's great for us."

MIRIAM "I am a Christian, an Egyptian copt. The year under the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood was a nightmare. They divided us into sects. We were targeted and our churches burnt down. He, the president, as a moderate Muslim who loves the country, has saved us from them. Me, my family and kids feel secure and safe under his rule."

His adversary, presidential candidate Mousa Mustafa Mousa cast his vote on the first day as well.

MOUSA MUSTAFA MOUSA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE "We worked hard and the party has good plans for the future. The time is short as we entered the race. I hope that maybe we would be given a chance by the voters. I want everyone to go and vote, there are three days to do so. I am generally very happy and it shows Egyptians are adamant for the process to succeed."

For many, the election day is one of celebration not just voting. No major incidents or violations have been reported so far in the first day of voting.

YASSER HAKIM CAIRO, EGYPT Polling is scheduled for three days ending Wednesday the 28th. It will be followed by vote counting and results to be announced in the first week of April. Yasser Hakim, CGTN, Cairo.