Photo: Heba Aly/IRIN

A woman waits in line for her turn to vote in Egypt's first elections. (file photo)

Prime Minister Kamal Al-Ganzouri has declared Thursday, May 24, an official day off for government employees, reported state television.

Tomorrow marks the second day of Egypt's presidential elections polls where the turnout has been relatively high in most governorates.

Egyptians started voting on Wednesday, May 23, in what is considered the country's first real presidential election.

Local polls will proceed until Thursday, with a runoff round in mid-June if necessary. Polling stations will open at 8 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, May 23 - 24. All voters must have their identification cards in order to vote.

The 13 candidates contesting in the first round are: Abul Ezz Al-Hariri (Pyramid), Ahmed Shafiq (Ladder), Hamdeen Sabahi (Eagle), Hossam Khairallah (Camera), Khaled Ali (Tree), Abdullah Alashaal (Axe), Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh (Horse), Amr Moussa (Sun), Mohamed Selim Al-Awa (Umbrella), Mohamed Fawzi Eissa (Camera), Mohamed Mursi (Scale), Mahmoud Hossam (Star) and Hisham Bastawisi (Watch).