By Sarah Lynch, Special for USA TODAY

Updated


CAIRO – Egyptians went to the polls for a second day Sunday in an election that will choose the next president but will probably not resolve deep-seated political uncertainties.
By Nasser Nasser, AP
An Egyptian woman shows her ink-stained finger after voting in Cairo on Saturday.



The voting comes only days after the nation's highest court ruled a portion of parliament invalid , dissolving the government body and leaving full legislative authority to a group of ruling generals who have been governing since Hosni Mubarak stepped down.
The ruling military issued an interim constitution Sunday defining the new president's authorities, a move that sharpened the confrontation with the Muslim Brotherhood and showed how the generals will maintain the lion's share of power no matter who wins.
They will be the de facto lawmakers, control the budget and will control who writes the permanent constitution that will define the country's future.
Many Egyptians said they considered the first round of voting to be free and fair. But faith in the system this time has diminished.
"People are frustrated now, and scared," said Abdel Moneim Al Ashour, after he voted Saturday in Dahab, a town on the Red Sea coast.
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Military and police increased security outside polling spots for the two-day vote.
So far, the elections were carried out with little violence despite a polarized election and growing unease since the revolt forced Mubarak from power more than a year ago.
The runoff this weekend provided voters with a stark choice between Islamist candidate Mohammed Morsi and former regime official Ahmed Shafiq.
Shafiq has drawn support from those seeking law and order — the primary appeal of his campaign. Many say the former civil aviation minister, who was also Mubarak's prime minister, is the most experienced. He can restore stability and revive the economy, they say.
"There's fatigue with the chaos and uncertainty of the past," said Michael Wahid Hanna of the Century Foundation, a think tank in New York. "That kind of turbulence has taken a toll on people."
But critics view Shafiq as a blow to the revolution.
Those who want a complete break from the old regime and believe in rule by Islamic law support Mohammed Morsi.
"I like Morsi's program," said Mohammad Bedouina, a shop owner from the North Sinai. "And he's afraid of God so he'll do things correctly."
"This was really an anti-Islamist vote," said Marwan Elaraby, who works at an investment firm, on his support for Shafiq. "In light of not having a constitution I think it's wise to stick with the devil you know."
Despite simmering tensions and unease many proudly cast their ballots.
"I feel so good," said Ahmed Al Matwaly Ibrahim, his hands shaking with excitement after he cast his ballot inside a school in the Sinai.
Contributing: The Associated Press

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