Religious institutions in Egypt issued several statements to encourage voting in the parliamentary elections, after other fanatic institutions claimed elections are haram in general.
Several Islamic scholars like Minister of Awqaf, and president of Al-Azhar university said that participating in the elections is an Islamic must.
On the other hand, the Coptic church has always denied its relationship with politics, but insisted on encouraging the people to participate in the elections. Members of the holy synod rushed in the morning to the voting polls in order to be role model for the people to participate.
In spite of his serious illness, Abba Pachomius, former acting patriarch, cast his vote today in Behira governorate.
