The European Union on Friday praised Egypt on the conduct of its elections - noting that it was "the first time in history that the Egyptian people have had the chance to choose their president in a real and competitive" contest dpa reported
Michael Mann, a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, said the bloc was "encouraged by early reports of international witnesses and experts" indicating that the vote took place "in a peaceful and orderly manner."
"We have to wait for the process to be completed, counting is underway at the moment, but it very much looks as if the Egyptian people have by and large been able to express their preferences in a democratic and effective way," he said.
"So we want to congratulate and pay tribute to the Egyptian people for their peaceful struggle, and draw your attention to the fact that at the moment things look very good," Mann concluded.
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