Female Islamist politician says aides arrested by Egyptian authorities

CAIRO, Egypt (Reuters) -- Egypt's first female Islamist to run in a general election said security authorities arrested two of her aides on Sunday.

"The manager of my election campaign, Hosni Gebri, and public relations manager Abbas Haikal were arrested early on Sunday," said Jihan al-Halafawi, who belongs to the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

"I wished Egyptian security authorities would abide by neutrality," she said in a statement.

Security officials were not available for comment.

More than 200 alleged members of the Brotherhood, Egypt's largest and most influential Islamist group, have been rounded up in recent months. Islamists say the arrests are intended to prevent them from influencing the election campaign.

President Hosni Mubarak invited voters on Sunday to take part in the poll, due to be held in three stages in October and November.

Mubarak said in April the state would work to ensure a free and fair vote.

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