WASHINGTON: The United States is criticizing local elections in Egypt.White House Press Secretary Dana Perino says the United States is troubled by reports of widespread electoral violations.

Egyptians largely avoided Tuesday s council elections after candidates from the largest opposition group were prevented from running.

A state-run Egyptian newspaper announced Tuesday before polls even opened that the ruling party had taken 70 percent of the seats because they were uncontested.

Perino expressed concern in a statement Wednesday about reports of harassment of opposition candidates and campaign workers.

She says the United States urges the Egyptian government to take tangible steps toward greater democracy, freedom and political openness. -AP