Round two of Egyptian parliamentary election starts

Egyptians are to cast their ballots in the second leg of Egypts first free election in six decades on Wednesday (December 14).After a turnout of millions during stage one of voting, Egyptians in nine governorates across the country will vote amidst a broad polarisation between Islamist and liberals.The first stage saw the Muslim Brotherhoods Freedom and Justice Party secure a majority of votes.Their ultra-conservative Salafi rivals also secured a larger than expected percentage, followed by the Egyptian bloc, a coalition of parties which many secular Egyptians hope will form a balance in the upcoming parliament.Freedom and Justice Partys success in the first round has drawn comparisons with the era of former dictator Hosni Mubarak whose National Democratic party used to win a majority due to vote rigging.But party candidate Mohamed Amer, who hopes to occupy his own seat in parliament, rejects such comment. -- Reuters