Churches urged Christians to vote in the elections that began in nine governorates Monday. Priests said participation is a national duty to support the democratic process. The churches called on Christians to vote for candidates compatible with their personal beliefs. Abba Morqos, Bishop of Shubra, said that the churches urged Christians to participate as an original part of the Egyptian community. He denied that the church has any effect on voters. Morqos called for electing candidates who would benefit the nation, and said that there is no difference between Muslims and Christians. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III could not vote because he is visiting the U.S. for Medical Treatment. Abba Younes, the Pope's secretary, said that the pope could not register for the elections. The Pope is praying for Egypt and called on all of Egypt's denominations to participate in the success of the democratic process, Younes added.
