Paper prints 'vote fraud' pics

2005-06-06 21:22

Cairo - The Egyptian independent daily al-Masri al-Youm published pictures on Monday it said were proof of fraud taking place during the country's May 25 constitutional referendum to introduce multi-candidate presidential elections.

Saying a series of photos were taken using a mobile at a northern Daqahliya governorate, the daily claimed members of an election committee checked "Yes" on referendum slips en masse and stuffed them in ballot boxes.

The newspaper also stated it was ready to present the original photos for investigation.

At the time of the referendum the Egyptian interior ministry reported an "unprecedented turnout", with 80% voting "yes" for the change out of the more than 32 million voters who took part in the referendum — a turnout of 53%.

Opposition groups boycotting the referendum say the rules imposed by the government did not allow anyone not approved by the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) to have a fair chance in running in presidential elections.

- SAPA