After a week of growing political tension, The Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi was declared the winner of Egypt's first free presidential election on Sunday. The announcement by election officials touched off a joyous celebration of chanting and dancing in the sweltering heat by tens of thousands of Morsi's supporters jamming Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak 16 months ago. Morsi now faces a struggle to establish himself as the power base with the country's still-dominant military rulers.

Authorities delayed announcing the results of the June 16-17 runoff election between Morsi and Mubarak's former prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq, sparking revolts within the area. President Barack Obama telephoned the U.S.-educated Morsi to congratulate him on his victory and offer continued support for Egypt's transition to democracy. The White House said Morsi expressed appreciation for Obama's call and "welcomed U.S. support for Egypt's transition."