Brotherhood claims Egypt poll lead

An Egyptian polling station closes its doors as voting in the nation's landmark presidential election draws to an end.

Some polling stations extended their hours because of long queues.

Counting is now underway in the nation's first truly competitive presidential election in the republic's 60-year history.

Observers said the election process appeared to have gone well.

SOUNDBITE: JANE HARMAN, FORMER U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN, SAYING (English):

"I must say that this process for the last five days that I have been in Egypt was enormously impressive and a tribute to the people of Egypt."

SOUNDBITE: U.S. CONGRESSMAN DAVID DREIER SAYING (English):

"Egypt is a democracy in its infancy but it's obviously a growing democracy and a great nation."

There are no reliable exit polls but the Muslim Brotherhood claimed an early lead for its candidate.

It based the claim on a tally from some districts.

But none of the 12 candidates is expected to secure the 50 percent of votes needed for an outright win.

A second round next month looks almost certain.

Paul Chapman, Reuters