Egypt Holds Second Phase of Elections

Shopkeepers in Mit Rahina, a village taking part in this week's elections. (VOA-E.Arrott)

Umm Radwan walks with her son in Mit Rahina. (VOA-E.Arrott)

Egypt's religious future is a key issue in current elections. (VOA-E.Arrott)

Improving living standards also factors heavily in the vote Mit Rahina. (VOA-E.Arrott)

Trash collects in ditches in Mit Rahina, one of the many villages neglected by Mubarak's deposed regime. (VOA-E.Arrott)

The village of Mit Rahina is hemmed by desert. (VOA-E.Arrott)

The traditional way of life in Mit Rahina helps boost conservative parties at the polls. (VOA-E.Arrott)

An Egyptian man shows his inked thumb after casting his vote in Menoufia, Egypt, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011. Egyptians turned out in large numbers Wednesday to vote in the second round of parliamentary elections that have become a stiff competition between

Egyptians crowd outside a polling station in Giza, Egypt Dec. 14, 2011. (AP)