The polls have opened in Egypt’s second presidential election in as many years, with army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expected to be swept into office.<br /><br />His campaign has centred around developing agriculture, housing, education and employment.<br /><br />Just one challenger is facing him in the vote; left-wing politician Hamdeen Sabahi, a candidate offering a civilian alternative to the presidency.<br /><br />A huge security operation has been launched, with over 400,000 members of the security forces observing the vote as well as monitors from the European Union and the US-funded Democracy International.<br /><br />Years of political upheaval led to the ousting of former President Mohammed Mursi last July.<br /><br />Widely regarded as Egypt’s de facto leader, Sisi was instrumental in deposing the Muslim Brotherhood politician.<br /><br />Interim authorities have since arrested thousands of alleged sympathisers of the Muslim Brotherhood movement.
