How is Egypt's Hollywood Voting? A roundup of celebrity bias

As the Egyptian presidential elections [1]are fast approaching (due May 23-24) we are inevitably hearing from our Egyptian celebrities. [2]These local hot-shots have managed to find themselves involved or dragged into the Tahrir fray before now. [3]

Some artists seem to be voting in the interest of stability for Egypt, keeping their votes, as far as possible, loyal to the old guard. Even those, as 'dog-listed,' Ilham Chahine [4] have not shirked away from the political spotlight that found them blacklisted by the masses last year for their show of support for the regime of Husni Mubarak. [5]

Others are throwing in their lots with the revolutionary guard [6], such as it were among the candidates available. [7]

Still others, such as Ghada Abdel Razek [8]and Fathy Abdel Wahab [9] are wavering between candidates [10] as swing voters.

Got an opinion to opine with us on Al Bawaba's 'Comment' space below, please share. Have your favorite celebs disappointed or surprised you with their votes?

As the Egyptian presidential elections are fast approaching (due May 23-24) we are inevitably hearing from our Egyptian celebrities. These local hot-shots have managed to find themselves involved or dragged into the Tahrir fray before now.

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Aboul Fotouh's celeb camp: The moderate Islamist's (regarded in Islamist terms as a soft touch) fans include controversial, racy director Inas El Deghedy -

Amr Moussa for President: The diplomat and former FM, also former Arab League Secretary General, has classic big-name Youssef Shaaban on his side. The old-school actor stated that he has sustained a 15-year relationship with Moussa and has utmost faith that he will lead Egypt well into its next crucial phase.

Dr. Mohamed Mursi - the Muslim Brotherhood's official candidate - has the celebrity heavy-weight endorsement of Hassan Youssef. From uber-famous actor to conservative Sheikh, this old-guard artist commends Mursi's

Khaled Ali inspires the champagne socialists amongst the celebrity rank and file. This champion for workers' rights finds his support in modern actor, Fathy Abdel Wahab, who swings between Khaled Ali and other candidates as Hamdeen Sabahi. Respected actress Tayseer Fahmy is throwing her revolutionary zeal behind Kaled Ali too.

Hamdeen Sabahi's, the Nasserist candidate has a wide celebrity fanbase, including comedic old time artist Esaad Younis; revered but socially provocative director Khaled Youssef; actor Khaled Elsawy; and comedic actress Nashwa Mostafa. Khaled Youssef dedicated his own office for Sabahi's campaign, while Nashwa is lending him Twitter support.

Ahmad Shafik, the closest thing to the old regime, has strong support in celebrity world. Actress Hala Sedki throws in her lot with this ex PM because

Hamdeen Sabahi's female following cannot be confined to one slide. Young actresses Randa Al Buhairi and actress- singer Bushra both use Twitter to showcase their political affiliation. Randa Al Buhairi pledged her support and shared that she visits his campaign team daily to volunteer her efforts, helping canvassing people for votes.

Hazem Abu Ismail is one actor's pick though he's not an option! Nour El-Sherif, says if Abu Ismail, the revolutionary Islamist, had stayed, he'd be his man of choice. Still, the revered actor Sherif is not blind to his short-comings, and stresses his disappointment with how his dream front-runner left the race, mired in a violent 'Abbasiya' exit.