Campaigning end for Egypt president poll

Egypt, campaigning has ended just days ahead of the country's first presidential election since the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak was toppled in February of last year. Thirteen candidates are in the race for the presidency. The poll will be held this week on Wednesday and Thursday.During the campaign that started in April 30th, clashes between supporters of candidates and the military resulted in deaths and injuries, but did not affect campaigning.

Each candidate held their last rally on Sunday in cities such as the capital of Cairo. Their appeals to voters included how they would evaluate the previous administration. They also considered the relationship between the religion of Islam and their nation.Candidates  outlined how they would improve the economy and stability of the country.

Candidates who held key posts in the previous government are contesting against Islamists who are trying to stop the return of former administration officials.The votes of the nation's youth, who led the ouster of Mubarak, may hold the key for the election's outcome.

Attention is focused on who the Egyptians will choose to usher in a new era of democracy as the so-called Arab Spring enters a new phase.