This year’s parliamentary elections are seeing a fair amount of religious currents as the Muslim Brotherhood attempts to reclaim its eighty-eight seats, and sūfīs and sharīfs decide to participate for the first time. The article talks about the districts for which each has chosen to compete, as well as their relationships with political parties and with the National Democratic Party.

Key Words: Tanta – Akhmīm – Cairo

Editor's Note: Sharīfs  believe themselves to be descendents from the Prophet Muhammad’s family.