Audio By Carbonatix
Latest results from the Egyptian elections indicate that Islamist parties are likely to have a strong majority in the new parliament.
The political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood and a more conservative Salafist Islamist party are leading, while secular liberals are behind.
However, most candidates will have to go through to two further rounds of voting over the next six weeks.
The Muslim Brotherhood called for the will of the people to be respected.
Salafists second
The BBC's Jon Leyne, in Cairo, says this is arguably the first fully free and fair election in Egyptian history.
Turnout was 62% in the vote, the first election since ex-President Hosni Mubarak was toppled in February.
Preliminary results show the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, is in the lead.
The Brotherhood - which led the opposition to Mr Mubarak during his 30 years in power - was until this year officially banned. In practice, it was tolerated as long as it remained at the margins of politics.
Its rivals accused the FJP of handing out food and medicine as a way of winning votes.
"We call upon everyone, and all those who associate themselves with democracy, to respect the will of the people and accept their choice," the Brotherhood said in a statement.
The early results put the ultra-conservative Salafist al-Nour Party in second place, followed closely by the coalition of liberal parties known as the Egyptian bloc.
Salafists call for a return to the way Islam was practised during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, in the 7th Century.
The voting on 28 and 29 November covered nine out of 27 provinces, which will elect about 30% of the 498-seat lower house of parliament.
Two further rounds are scheduled over the next six weeks.
The upper house will then be elected in another three stages.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Leila Djansi questions NFA’s appeal for Film Fund donations
5 hours -
The ‘Our Day’ Dilemma: A cherished Ghanaian tradition that has become a high-pressure cooker
6 hours -
UHAS celebrates 2026 International Day
6 hours -
Maison Yusif launches ‘The Beast’ fragrance, eyes global expansion from Ghana
7 hours -
NSMQ 2026 : St. Louis SHS returns to nationals after thrilling comeback in Ashanti region qualifiers
9 hours -
“Data is the new gold” – Prof. Kwofie leads charge for AI-driven, equitable Africa
9 hours -
Lights for Life Movement urges fixing of faulty traffic lights to save lives
9 hours -
Doctor uses cash reward of GH¢20,000 to equip Paga Hospital
9 hours -
Free but expensive education in Ghana – Free SHS in retrospect
9 hours -
Justice must heal a nation, not become a qeapon of revenge
9 hours -
Six students injured as fire destroys House Master’s apartment at Leklebi SHS
9 hours -
Mid-Year Budget Review: What happened to the GH¢40m promise to Ghana’s creative industry?
9 hours -
Tafo Government Hospital children’s ward 85% complete ahead of my 45th birthday – Nana B
10 hours -
Kessben FM yanks DJ K.A. ‘off air’ over intimate video circulated online; Investigation underway
11 hours -
Ghana, Nigeria commit to stronger trade cooperation under AfCFTA
11 hours