Brotherhood quit election

EGYPT’S Muslim Brotherhood, the biggest opposition bloc in the outgoing parliament, and a smaller party withdrew yesterday from an election they said was rigged by thugs, ballot box stuffing and other ploys.

Sunday’s first round set up President Hosni Mubarak’s party for its usual sweeping victory after run-offs due to be held on December 5. Government officials said the race was free and fair.

Independent Egyptian monitoring groups said the result was discredited by abuses.