The first phase of the Egyptian elections witnessed major influence by religious movements. This became clear on the one hand in discourse in which the political and religious spheres became confused, especially after a rumor spread of the church supporting two candidates from the Egyptian Bloc [a grouping of secular parties]. On the other hand the influence of religious movements on the elections was recognizable through actual violations of the electoral laws, as happened in several polling stations where supporters of the Al-Nūr Party and the Freedom and Justice Party chanted slogans urging voters to vote 'for God.'