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After a week of protests in Egypt, the people are finally at the polls voting in the first post President Mubarek election. The stakes are high. Years of an unelected regime have left Egyptians with a mountain to climb. Today is the first big step in creating a new government for Egypt.

Last week's violent protests showed that the people are unhappy with the grip on power the military have retained. Many high ranking military officers had strong ties with the old regime. Egyptians worked hard for their fresh start and they deserve just that.

The massive turn out of people wanting to vote has caused long queues to form. Some queues are said to have reached two miles. The deadline for votes to be cast has had to be extended.

Women and men vote at different locations. A stark reminder of the many differences between the West and the Middle East.

Although few security issues have been reported there have been some problems. In some areas ballot boxes arrived late causing some frustration. There have been some reports of violence and voting papers being sabotaged.

Polls opened at 08:00 (06:00 GMT) and were due to close at 19:00.  This was extended to 21:00 to cope with the crowds. For those voting stations where the voting opened late today it is extended until midnight. The first results should be available by Wednesday November, 30, 2011.

UPDATES: The latest reports claim that five people have died today during election violence.