Voting is underway in Egypt's first presidential election since a popular uprising, last February toppled longtime leader Hosni Mubarak.<br/> <br />Considered by many to be the country's first free presidential poll in decades, the vote pits Islamists and secularists against men who served under Mubarak's rule.<br/> <br />Here in the capital Cairo, long queues form outside polling stations on the first day of the historic vote.<br/> <br />One voter is optimistic.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) AHEMED AZZAM SAYING:<br/> <br />"I am here to elect, for the first time, a President of the Republic. A president that will be good and righteous and to make this country wake up"<br/> <br />In Egypt's second city Alexandria, voters also turn out early amid tight security.<br/> <br />An official at one polling station says he's confident the election will be fair.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 'LAURAN SCHOOL POLL STATION' CHANCELLOR, AHMED FEKRY, SAYING:<br/> <br />"As you can see everything is well prepared for the electoral process, fair guarantees to all candidates are being provided by the higher commission foe the elections".<br/> <br />About 50 million people out of Egypt's population of 82 million are eligible to vote.<br/> <br />But with none of the 12 candidates expected to secure more than half the vote to win outright in the first round on Wednesday and Thursday, a run-off between the top two is likely in June.<br/> <br />The ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, who've overseen a transition marred by violence and political deadlock, are set to formally hand over power by July 1.<br/> <br />Travis Brecher, Reuters
