In unified statements circulated to churches, Bishop Murqus, archbishop of Shubrā al-Khayma, and Bishop Makarios [Mākariyūs], bishop of al-Minyā and Abū Qurqāṣ, called Copts to vote in the parliamentary elections.  They said that the church calls on all of its people to go to the polls to cast their ballots since this confirms their sense of belonging to the country.  They also said it is a national duty, a constitutional right, and a divine commandment.