Egyptian government threatens foreign journalists over coverage of election

'Any foreign article written in a non-professional manner will receive a direct and clear response'

An Egyptian army soldier stands guard outside a polling station in Cairo (Reuters/Mohamed Abd El Ghany)

The Egyptian government has threatened to "summon" foreign journalists over their coverage of the election ahead of the official result on Monday.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is expected to win re-election with 97 per cent of the vote but reporters have been warned not to write articles in an "unprofessional manner".

“Any foreign article written in a non-professional manner regarding the presidential election will receive a direct and clear response," said State Information Service head of operations Mohammed Imam.

"If the writer is in Cairo, then they will be summoned, even if they are not a resident. A clarification will be sent to him or her regarding the information they published.”

Mr Al-Sisi's only opponent Moussa Mostafa Moussa, who mustered the support of only 720,000 out of the 59 million electorate, has accepted the result of what he called a "free, fair election".

"I was just hoping for ten per cent," he said. "I thank god that Egypt has become stable and has passed its rough period."

At least one of the estimated one million spoiled ballots was a vote for Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah, according to a photo posted on Twitter.

Human rights organisations have described the elections as "farcical" after several Presidential candidates dropped out of the race.

Colonel Ahmed Konsowa was sentenced to six years in prison for "actions that undermine the military system" three weeks after he announced his intention to run.

Former army chief of staff Sami Anan, a retired Lieutenant General, was arrested four days after declaring his candidacy while former prime minister Ahmed Shafik withdrew under pressure, according to reports.

Several political parties boycotted the polls and the estimated turnout of around 40 per cent is lower than the 47.5 per cent in 2014. Voters who did not take part face a fine of 500 Egyptian pounds (£20).

The Egyptian government has been accused of cracking down on journalists after Times reporter Bel Trew was kicked out of the country last month. The SIS claimed she had violated Egyptian law by working without a press card and the proper permits.

On Friday news agency Reuters agreed to withdraw an article which claimed that votes were being bought for as little as 50 Egyptian pounds (£2) following complaints by Egyptian officials.

The SIS described the story - which was titled "Food, buses and cash: Getting out the vote the Egyptian way" - as "flawed" and invalid.​