Lacking Drama, Egypt's Elections Excite Few

Workers at a polling station in Cairo have coffee while waiting for voters to show up, March 27, 2018.

A member of the police inspects an Egyptian voter in Cairo, March 28, 2018. Security was tight amid reports of terrorist threats. Some Egyptians blamed the threat — and tough security measures — for the low turnout in parts of the Egyptian capital.

In a bid to counter criticism from those who questioned the elections' legitimacy, officials urged voters to turn out in large numbers. Joining the publicity effort, TV host Amru Adib cast his ballot in central Cairo and urged others to do the same, March 27, 2018.

A worker serves other workers in a quiet polling station in central Cairo, March 27, 2018.

Supporters of President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi try to drum up support in a last-minute bid to draw voters to the polls, March 27, 2018.

Taxi driver Mohamed Amen says he boycotted the election in Egypt, March 27, 2018. The current government, he said, failed to protect his business from competitors who use smart applications. "Should I go to vote or wait for customers so I can feed my siblings?"

While many polls sat empty, some Egyptians flocked to cafes like this one in central Cairo, where they showed their patriotism by cheering for Egypt's team in a friendly football match against Greece, March 27, 2018.