Islamists lead in Egypt elections

Two Islamist groups are leading in Egypt’s elections with over 60% of the total votes cast for party lists, partial results showed today.

The results released by the High Election Commission showed the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Freedom and Justice party leading with 36.6% of the valid ballots cast, with the ultraconservative Nour party closely trailing with 24.3%.

The first round results indicate that the liberal Egyptian Bloc garnered 13.3% of the votes in the country’s first elections after President Hosni Mubarak stepped down in February.

This week’s voting will determine the membership of about 30% of the 498-seat assembly. Ballots are cast over three rounds for both party lists and individual candidates.