and the ejection of many independent monitors from polling stations
amid what opponents say is a government campaign to clamp down at a time
of political uncertainty in this top U.S. ally.
Egypt’s leadership appeared determined to guarantee
its firm grip ahead of more significant presidential elections next
year. For the first time since President Hosni Mubarak came to power in
1981, there are questions over that vote: The 82-year-old leader has had
health issues, undergoing surgery earlier this year.
Fueling the sense of unease, Egyptians the past year
have grown increasingly vocal in their anger over high prices, low
wages, persistent unemployment and poor services despite economic growth
that has fueled a boom for the upper classes.
In the run-up to Sunday’s voting, at least 1,200
supporters of the Islamic fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood — the ruling
party’s only real rival — were arrested and many of its candidates saw
their campaign rallies broken up repeatedly.
The tough measures suggest the ruling >>>
