But the prospect of lasting change in the aftermath of Egypt's presidential election excites many.

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He also ran unsuccessfully in Egypt's presidential election last year.

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It is significant, also, that Mr Moussa himself is set to retire, and plans to run in post-revolutionary Egypt's first presidential election.

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The decision of Egypt's Higher Presidential Election Commission (HPEC) to delay announcing the country's new leader has added to the state of confusion already reigning over the polarized country.

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This in itself would be a momentous event, marking the first time in Egypt that a reasonably free presidential election had been held, producing a head of state legitimised by the popular will, albeit in a polarised society.

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Ms Rice praised Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak for allowing a contested presidential election later this year, but called for international monitors to be allowed to observe the poll.

BBC: NEWS | Middle East | Rice calls for Mid-East democracy

His fifth election, in 2005, was Egypt's first multi-party presidential vote, but many considered that, too, to be a sham.

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Analysts speculate that if official results confirm Mr Mursi has won the presidential election, a power struggle between the Brotherhood and the military - two of Egypt's strongest forces - looks likely, possibly bringing more of the turmoil that has characterised the process of democratic transition.

BBC: Egypt's army vows to hand power to elected president