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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Floods, landslides kill 21 people

Caracas, Venezuela – Flooding and landslides unleashed by torrential rains have killed at least 21 people in Venezuela, forced thousands from their homes and idled an oil refinery.

The death toll rose on Tuesday as authorities confirmed eight additional deaths in Caracas and nearby states. Vice President Elias Jaua said there had been 21 deaths nationwide since Thursday and about 5,600 people fled their homes.

Gov. Henrique Capriles decreed a “state of alarm” in Miranda state, which includes parts of the capital, aiming to speed aid to flood victims.

Egypt’s ruling party dominates

Cairo – In an election marred by boycotts and accusations of widespread fraud, Egypt’s ruling party strengthened its hold on power by winning all but a handful of seats in the nation’s parliament, according to unofficial results announced Tuesday.

The victory of the National Democratic Party was never in doubt, but its near-sweep of the legislature was a stunning defeat for the Muslim Brotherhood, the largest opposition movement. The Islamist organization said it lost 62 of its 88 seats, with the remaining 26 to be decided in a runoff on Sunday.

Human rights groups condemned Sunday’s poll as rife with irregularities, and most Egyptians didn’t bother voting in what they considered a rigged game. The outcome, which essentially leaves President Hosni Mubarak’s party unchallenged, will do little to ease apprehension ahead of next year’s presidential poll.