Low turnout was witnessed on Sunday in Egypt’s landmark election for the upper house of parliament, seen as a key step towards civilian rule after the end of a three-decade dictatorship by the Mubarak regime last year.

Turnout for the largely advisory 270-member Shura Council’s election was low in the capital Cairo, one of 13 provinces where the first stage of elections for the upper house are being held. The second stage of the election for the House with limited powers is set for February 14-15.

About 25 million Egyptians are expected to cast their vote for Council.