Banned Islamic Group Makes Legislative Gains

The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's leading Islamic group, more than doubled its legislative representation in runoff parliamentary elections, according to initial results.

The group won 34 seats in the first round, and the ruling National Democratic Party won about 70. The results were reported by the semiofficial Middle East News Agency, quoting judges in counting stations.

As a banned organization, the Muslim Brotherhood is not allowed to run as a political party, but it fields candidates who stand as independents. It had 15 members in the outgoing parliament.