Violence mars Egyptian election

WIDESPREAD violence marred the second round of Egypt’s parliamentary vote yesterday, with police saying a campaign worker was shot and killed in Alexandria and witnesses reporting scores of injuries.

The clashes between supporters of the opposition Muslim Brotherhood and ruling party were in sharp contrast with the November 9 first round of voting, which passed in relative peace and saw the banned Brotherhood double its representation in parliament.

There are 1,706 candidates competing in 72 constituencies in this round of elections, and results are not expected until later.