China hopes for successful Egyptian presidential election

China on Wednesday wished success for Egypt's first presidential election since the fall of ex-President Hosni Mubarak last year.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remark at a routine press briefing when asked to comment on the two-day election, which began on Wednesday.

Hong said the presidential vote is a major event in Egypt's political process following the successful election of its People's Assembly and Advisory Council earlier this year.

China hopes the election and subsequent progress of the country's political process will be smooth, Hong said, adding that China wishes to see Egypt realize national stability and development.

Twelve candidates are running in the election. More than 50 million eligible voters have been called on to cast their ballots at 13,000 polling stations nationwide

The results of the election will be announced on June 21. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which took control of Egypt after Mubarak stepped down, is expected to transfer power to the new president by June 30.