Egypt is all set to hold its Parliamentary elections to elect members to the House of Representatives. An estimated 54 million registered Egyptian voters are expected to participate in the election process.
According to Ayman Abbas, Head of the Higher Elections Committee (HEC), the election which will be held in two phases; first will be held between March 21-22 for expatriates and between March 22-23 for local residents. The second phase of elections will be held between April 25-26 for expatriates and April 26-27 for local residents.
14 governorates will vote in the first phase, while the remaining 11, including Cairo, shall vote in the second phase. If a run-off vote is required then the same will be held between March 31 and April 2 in the first stage and between May 5 and 7 for the second stage.
In the last few years, Egypt has witnessed frequent violent protests and political turmoil. The political environment has been unstable with many parties and factions unable to come to a clear consensus.
In the recent initiative taken by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, 19 political parties met at the Al-Wafd Party’s headquarters and submitted a joint list confirming their participation in the forthcoming elections.
However, two coalitions, Egyptian Social Democratic Party (ESDP) headed by former Prime Minister Kamal Al-Ganzoury and Civil Democratic Union coalition, along with several other parties have decided to stay away. The overall political situation remains tentative with hectic negotiations taking place between parties to come to a working consensus.
Election History
After Egypt became a Republic, its Constitution has been written in 1956, 1958, 1963 (provisional), 1971, 2011 (provisional), 2012 and 2014.
After the ousting of former President Morsi on 3rd July 2013, in the backdrop of violent protests, the military leadership announced that the Constitution of 2012 would be amended and ordered two committees to be set up to propose amendments.
The present Egyptian Constitution of 2014 was passed through a constitutional referendum and is based on the Egypt Constitution of 1971 and took into account the current situation and demands from various political parties and groups.
The Constitution of 2014 guarantees equality between sexes, and absolute freedom of belief and religious practice, to all. While Islam is the state religion, political parties based on religion, race, gender or geography are barred.
Several political parties have opposed the high proportion of representation accorded to independent candidates as they fear malpractices and are demanding further amendments.
In the last Parliamentary elections held in 2011-2012, the voter turnout was 54%.
Election System
The Constitution mandates a unicameral Parliament with the President as the Head of State. The President is elected for a four year term and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Parliament retains the right to impeach the President.
The Parliament or the House of Representatives, comprises 567 members and is voted in for a five year term. Of these, 420 members are elected as independent candidates, 120 members are elected through party lists, which represent four districts and the balance 27 members are selected by the President.
The party list to elect the 120 members comprises two 45 name lists and two 15 name lists, ensuring representation of the entire country. The President retains the right to dissolve the Parliament before completion of its 5-year term.
To ensure inclusive participation, 56 seats are reserved for women, 16 seats are reserved for the youth,eight seats are for disabled persons and 24 seats are reserved for Copts. Copts are Coptic Christians, an ethno-religious group and natives of Egypt. Though in minority, Copts still represent a sizeable percentage of the population.
Election Process
All Egyptians of 18 years and above are eligible to vote. The voting is compulsory and failure to vote can attract a penalty or prison sentence.
Political Parties
Some of the prominent coalitions expected to participate in the 2015 Parliamentary elections are the Independent Current Coalition which is an alliance of 36 parties, the Left-leaning Social Justice Coalition, Egyptian Front alliance, Egyptian Wafd Alliance, Reawakening of Egypt Alliance, Egyptian Hope Alliance, amongst others.