Early indications after vote counting got underway show Islamic Parties, particularly the Freedom and Justice Party and the Salafi al-Nour Party, making strong showings. The Egyptian Bloc and al-Wafd Party continue to lag. Ballot counting continues in all Egyptian governorates participating in the first phase of the parliamentary elections: Cairo, Alexandria, Kafr el-Sheikh, Damietta, Port Said, Fayoum, Asyut, Luxor and the Red Sea. Islamic parties are also pulling ahead for individual seats. The Muslim Brotherhood, Salafis and Gama'a Islamiyya are topping lists in Alexandria, Kafr el-Sheikh, Fayoum and Damietta. Independent candidates are giving Islamic candidates strong competition in Asyut and Port Said. Some former regime remnants are making strong showings in Luxor and the Red Sea.
