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Egyptian supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate for president, Mohammad Morsi, attend Friday prayers in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, Friday, June 22, 2012. Egypt’s ruling military council on Friday blamed the Muslim Brotherhood for raising tensions by releasing presidential election results early and insisted its recent decisions that granted the generals sweeping powers were necessary for running the country. Image Credit: AP

Cairo: Tens of thousands of Egyptians have converged on Tahrir Square in Cairo to protest against the ruling military council's power grab and in support of the Islamist presidential candidate who they believe won the election.

The crowd held Friday prayers in the square, which was the epicenter of the uprising that forced longtime leader Hosni Mubarak to step down last year.

The results of the race were delayed amid challenges from Morsi's contender, Mubarak's last Prime Minister Ahmad Shafiq, adding tension to an already explosive political standoff.

The cleric leading the prayers said Mohammed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's presidential candidate, was the clear winner in the election.

Protesters chanted against the military council, which issued a declaration last week stripping the next president of much of his authority.