The one time Muslim Brotherhood stronghold Fayoum is now the playing field of tribes and families, as the candidates from the province gear up for the 19 seats allotted to Fayoum in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Connections and home visits to big and powerful families are a very important aspect of winning people over in Fayoum, especially in villages.

Competing for seats in the rural province, located about 100 kilometres southwest of Cairo, are 132 candidates running for individual seats, while eight others are running as part of electoral lists. Fayoum's 19 seats include 15 for individuals and four for lists.

Amidst the tribal dominance, 21 former members of the now defunct National Democratic Party (NDP) and businessmen are also vying for a spot on Egypt's legislative council.

Although the Brotherhood had dominated elections in Fayoum in 2012, the province is now free of Brotherhood presence as Egyptians prepare to go to the polls for the eighth time since 2011.

The group which was designated a terrorist organisation by the Egyptian Cabinet in December 2013 is neither backing its loyalists, nor supporting any local candidates, a Brotherhood member who preferred to remain anonymous told Aswat Masriya.

Meanwhile, the Salafi al-Nour party has fielded six candidates in Fayoum.

The province also brings 10 female candidates to the election race, including five who are running for individual seats, while the other five are part of a list and include two disabled women. 

The first phase of voting for the House of Representatives in Egypt and abroad will run from Oct 17 -19 and will include 14 governorates: Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, New Valley, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Beheira and Matrouh.

Of the 26 million voters in the first phase of the race, Fayoum is home to 1.6 million. 

Preparations for the election are in full swing in the province. Candidates have come up with songs that frequently resonate on the streets, as well as ultra-nationalist songs that rip through neigbhourhoods via megaphones.

Other candidates are taking to social media to showcase their platforms and their history.