DHAKA: Millions of voters are casting ballots across Egypt to choose a new president, for the second time in two years.

A huge security operation has been mounted by police and the military, amid fear of attacks by militants seeking to isrupt the polls.

Former army chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who deposed Islamist president Mohammed Mursi last year, is standing against left-wing candidate Hamdeen Sabahi.

Sisi is forecast to win by a comfortable margin.

The elections are being held across two days, with the official result to be announced on 5 June.

hortly after polls opened, Sisi cast his vote at a polling station in Cairo amid a throng of reporters and spectators.

The 59-year-old appeals to Egyptians who crave stability after years of political upheaval and anything else than an easy win for him would be a source of astonishment, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1535 HRS, MAY 26, 2014