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Egyptians Protest New Parliament; President Denies Vote Fraud


Egyptian anti-riot soldiers surround protesters, with one displaying a "Free Egypt" sign, during a protest against parliamentary elections which they claimed were rigged, Cairo, 12 Dec 2010
Egyptian anti-riot soldiers surround protesters, with one displaying a "Free Egypt" sign, during a protest against parliamentary elections which they claimed were rigged, Cairo, 12 Dec 2010

Hundreds of Egyptians have rallied in Cairo to protest the newly elected parliament, which they say is "illegitimate."

Opposition supporters chanted "elections fraudulent" outside the Supreme Court Sunday as riot police surrounded them.

The protest began shortly after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak dismissed accusations by international and local human rights activists that the parliamentary vote in late November and early December was rigged.

Mr. Mubarak said Sunday the violations by some candidates and their supporters were "unacceptable," but that they did not invalidate the overall election.

The president's National Democratic Party won a sweeping victory in the parliamentary elections. The country's two main opposition groups boycotted the second round of voting to protest alleged fraud.

Last week, Egyptian opposition figure and Nobel Peace laureate Mohamed ElBaradei called for a boycott of the upcoming presidential election, saying Egypt's election process is a "farce."

The United States has said it is disappointed by reports of widespread irregularities that cast doubt on the credibility of the Egyptian elections.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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