Islamists lead in Egypt elections

Two Islamist groups are leading in Egypt's elections with over 60 per cent 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.