21.7% turnout in first round of Egypt run-off

The first round run-off in Egypt's parliamentary election produced a turnout of 21.7 percent, officials announced Friday, reflecting disinterest in a vote held in the absence of any strong opposition. The tally for voting Tuesday and Wednesday, announced by the electoral commission, was even lower than the 26.6 percent for the first round ballot contested on October 18-19 in half of Egypt's provinces. The election is expected to elect lawmakers firmly backing President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.