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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The division of electoral constituencies shall be defined by law in a manner which observes fair representation of the population and governorates and equitable representation of voters.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 102:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . The Electoral Management Body
Comments: National Elections Commission
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 102:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Other candidacy requirements, the electoral system, and division of electoral constituencies shall be defined by law in a manner which observes fair representation of the population and governorates and equitable representation of voters. Elections based on the plurality voting system or proportional list, or a combination of both at whatsoever ratio may be adopted.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 102:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Updated January 2007
Verified: 2025/09/23
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) e . Electoral Management Body (EMB) f . A government department or agency
Comments: The division of constituencies is defined by law. National Elections Commission is responsible for proposing division of boundaries.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 102 & 208:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Updated January 2007
Verified: 2025/09/23
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is the Head of State and chief of the executive authority. The President of the Republic is elected by direct secret ballot, with an absolute majority of valid votes.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 143:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2018/03/18
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The President of the Republic shall assign a Prime Minister to form the government and introduce his/her program to the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 146:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic is the head of State and the head of executive power.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 139:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: Senate (upper chamber) and House of Representatives (lower chamber)
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, revised 2019 art. 101:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Egypt_2019 (2014, revised 2019).
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The House of Representatives is composed of no less than four hundred and fifty members elected by direct secret public ballot.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 102:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP) j . By appointment
Comments: The Senate shall consist of a number of members determined by law, not less than 180 members. Two-thirds of the members of the Council shall be elected by direct secret universal suffrage. The President of the Republic shall appoint the remaining third and the elections shall be held in accordance with the law.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 250:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The 300-member Senate is composed of three equal parts: one-third elected via individual candidacy, one-third through closed party lists, and one-third appointed by the president.
Source: https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/211214?lang=en-us#:~:text=Members%20serve%20five%2Dyear%20terms,be%20announced%20on%204%20September.
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: The House of Representatives comprises 568 members, half elected through closed party lists and half in individual seats. The president has the right to appoint 28 additional members to the House.
Source: Freedom House: Egypt. https://freedomhouse.org/country/egypt/freedom-world/2024#:~:text=The%202019%20amendments%20to%20the,additional%20members%20to%20the%20House.
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: For list-based elections, the winning list must also secure an absolute majority. If this is not achieved, a runoff is held between the top two lists, with the one receiving the most valid votes winning.
Source: https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/211214?lang=en-us
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: For list-based elections, the winning list must also secure an absolute majority. If this is not achieved, a runoff is held between the top two lists, with the one receiving the most valid votes winning.
Source: https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/211214?lang=en-us
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: 50 percent.
In the individual seat system, a candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes to win. If no candidate achieves this, a runoff is held between the top two contenders.
Source: https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/211214?lang=en-us
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: 50 percent.
In the individual seat system, a candidate must secure an absolute majority of valid votes to win. If no candidate achieves this, a runoff is held between the top two contenders.
Source: https://www.sis.gov.eg/Story/211214?lang=en-us
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: Five years
Source: https://www.sis.gov.eg/section/228/9463?lang=en-us#:~:text=During%20the%20current%20period%2C%20Egypt,entrench%20the%20foundations%20of%20democracy.
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: The term of membership in the House of Representatives is five calendar years, commencing from the date of its first session.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, revised 2019 art. 106:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Egypt_2019 (2014, revised 2019).
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: Election of the President of the Republic or the House of Representatives shall take place as regulated by Law.
Source: Presidential Decree No. 22/2014, on the Regulation of the Presidential Elections, chapt. 1, art. 1: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/preselect-22_2014_en.pdf;
Presidential Election Law (08/03/2014): http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?CatID=2803#.U39avPldXTo (2014);
Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 140. 143, 230:
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: The law shall regulate the manner in which governors and heads of other local administrative units are appointed or elected, and shall determine their competences.
The National Elections Commission is an independent authority and shall be solely competent to administer referenda and elections of the president, the parliament and the local councils.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 175, 178, 179, 180, 208: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
b . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the electoral law c . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: Participation of citizens in the public life is a national duty. Every citizen shall have the right to vote, run for elections, and express his/her opinion in referendums. The Law shall regulate the exercise of these rights. There may be exemption from the performance of this duty in certain cases to be specified by Law.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 87: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: National Electoral Commission should be created to supervise and monitor the country’s general elections – parliamentary, presidential and municipal – and referendums
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, revised 2019 art. 208
Law No. 198 for the year 2017 on the National Election Authority: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/NEAlaw2017-198_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/09/23
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
c . Judiciary
Comments: The Board shall consist of ten members equally from Vice-Presidents of the Court of Cassation,
Presidents of the Courts of Appeal, Vice-Presidents of the State Council, Vice-Presidents of the
State Litigation Authority, and Vice-Presidents of the Administrative Prosecution Authority, who
will be selected by the Higher Judicial Council, and respective Special and Supreme Councils of
these judicial entities and authorities as applicable, provided that the members are not members of
these councils, and provided that the remaining period for reaching the age of retirement for any
of the members shall not be less than six years at the time of secondment.
Source: Law No. 198 for the year 2017 on the National Election Authority, Chapter 3, article 5: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/NEAlaw2017-198_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/09/23
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: The National Elections Commission is an independent authority and shall be solely competent to administer referenda and elections of the president, the parliament and the local councils.
The High Electoral Committee and the Presidential Election Committee existing at the time this Constitution comes into force shall undertake the full supervision of the first parliamentary and
presidential elections following the effective date of the Constitution.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 208 & 228: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014);
Presidential Decree No. 22/2014, on the Regulation of the Presidential Elections, chapt. 2, art. 3: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/preselect-22_2014_en.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
a . The President b . The Prime Minister c . The legislature
Comments: Produce and publish a detailed final report on each referendum or electoral process with all its stages, the summary of which is to be published in the Official Gazette, and the report shall be presented to the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Prime Minister.
Prepare and publish an annual report on the activities and work of the Authority to be sent to the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Prime Minister for their information.
Source: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/NEAlaw2017-198_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/09/23
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: General state budget.
The resources of the authority are composed of:
1. Allocation assigned by the State from the general budget.
2. Any other resources that the Board agrees to include as part of its resources in coordination
with concerned entities
Source: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/NEAlaw2017-198_en.pdf
Verified: 2018/03/18
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: Central Audit Agency.
Source: Article 30: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/NEAlaw2017-198_en.pdf
Verified: 2018/03/18
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The members of the National Elections Commission shall be assigned to work on a full time basis at the Commission for one term of six years.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 209: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Commission shall have a permanent executive body. The law shall determine the
composition and constitution of such executive body, and the rights, duties and guarantees of its members in a way that achieves their neutrality, independence and integrity
Source: Constitution 2014, art. 209: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The National Elections Commission is an independent authority and shall be solely competent to administer referenda and elections of the president, the parliament and the local councils.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 208 & 228: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The National Elections Commission shall be administered by a board composed of 10 members.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 209: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: They shall be selected by the Supreme Judicial Council and special councils of the aforementioned judicial bodies and organizations, as the case may be, provided that they are not members thereof. They shall be appointed by virtue of a decree by the President of the Republic.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 209: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State f . Judiciary
Comments: They shall be selected by the Supreme Judicial Council and special councils of the aforementioned judicial bodies and organizations, as the case may be, provided that they are not members thereof. They shall be appointed by virtue of a decree by the President of the Republic.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 209: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The High Electoral Committee and the Presidential Election Committee existing at the time this Constitution comes into force shall undertake the full supervision of the first parliamentary and presidential elections following the effective date of the Constitution. The funds of the two committees shall be transferred to the National Electoral Commission, immediately upon its formation
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 228: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the High Elections Committee: http://www.elections.eg (2015).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the High Elections Committee: http://www.elections.eg (2015).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement g . Internet h . Other
Comments: Included printed out materials
Source: Updated September 2025
Verified: 2025/09/23
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement g . Internet h . Handouts (printed material)
Comments: Included printed out materials
Source: Updated Septemeber 2025
Verified: 2025/09/23
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
a . Disabled
Comments: Braille ballots and voting assistance for those with mobility issues
Source: Updated September 2025
Verified: 2025/09/23
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments, art. 1: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2012).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship d . Naturalization
Comments: Every male and female Egyptian above 18 years old has the right to vote. A person who acquired Egyptian citizenship by naturalization shall not be recorded in the electoral register except after at least five years have passed since citizenship was acquired.
Source: Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments, art. 1 & 4: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2012).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration d . Mental disability e . Military Service g . Service on Judiciary h . Other
Comments: There are further restrictions on voting outlined in Articles 1, 2 and 3 of Law 73 on the Exercise of Political Rights..
Concerning voting in elections and referenda, article 1 states, “ . . . Officers and personnel of the main, subordinate, or additional forces of the army, as well as police officers and personnel shall be exempted from this duty throughout their service at the army or police. . .”
Article 2 states;
“The following subjects may not exercise political rights:
(1) Those convicted in relation to a criminal act, unless they have been rehabilitated.
(2) Those whose properties have been put under sequestration by a decision of the Court of Ethics, as long as the sequestration is imposed. In case a ruling has been handed down confiscating the property, depriving of exercising political rights shall be for a period of five years.
(3) DELETED
(4) Those sentenced to imprisonment in relation to a theft, hiding stolen objects, fraudulence, bad checks, breach of trust, betrayal, bribery, bankruptcy by fraud, forging or using forged documents, making false testament, seducing witness, rape, corrupting the youth, violating the public ethics, being a vagabond; or has been involved in a crime committed to evade the military and national service; also those sentenced for attempting one of the aforesaid crimes. This is unless the execution of the sentence has been stayed, or the convict has been rehabilitated.
(5) Those sentenced to imprisonment in relation to one of the crimes stated in articles 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 of this law. This is unless the execution of the sentence has been stayed, or the convict has been rehabilitated.
(6) Those who were dismissed from civil service for the state or the public sector for disgraceful reasons, until the elapse of five years after the dismissal date. This is unless the person has received a final ruling revoking the dismissal order or ordering compensation.
(7) DELETED”
Article 3 states;
“Exercising political rights shall be suspended for the following persons:
(1) Those placed under interdiction, throughout the period they are so.
(2) Those with mental diseases who are detained, throughout the period of their detention.
(3) Those declared bankrupt, for five years as of the date they have been so declared, unless they have been earlier rehabilitated.”
Source: Law No. 73 on Exercising Political Rights.
Updated February 2007.
Verified: 2025/09/23
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The National Electoral Commission.
Source: Presidential Decree No. 22/2014, on the Regulation of the Presidential Elections, art. 6:
https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/preselect-22_2014_en.pdf(2014).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
c . No registration required
Comments: Article 5 of Law No. 73 on Exercising Political Rights states;
“Electoral lists shall be created to register those who meet the conditions set for electors, where there is no reason that would prevent them from exercising their political rights, from the 1st of November of each year to the 31st of January the following year. Such lists shall be posted from the first day to the last day of February, in the manner and places laid down in the executive regulations of this law.”
Source: Law No. 73 on Exercising Political Rights.
Updated February 2007.
Verified: 2025/09/23
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
b . Annually
Comments: Article 5 of Law No. 73 on Exercising Political Rights states;
“Electoral lists shall be created to register those who meet the conditions set for electors, where there is no reason that would prevent them from exercising their political rights, from the 1st of November of each year to the 31st of January the following year. Such lists shall be posted from the first day to the last day of February, in the manner and places laid down in the executive regulations of this law.”
Source: Law No. 73 on Exercising Political Rights.
Updated February 2007.
Verified: 2025/09/23
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records e . Appearance by voter at registration office g . Data matching with other agencies information
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: All persons, both male and female, having the right to exercise political rights shall be recorded in the electoral register.
Source: Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments, art. 4:
http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2012).
Verified: 2025/09/23
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: New parties must have a minimum of 5,000 members from each of at least 10 governorates. The constitution also stated political activity could not be practiced nor a political party formed on the basis of religion or discrimination based on gender or origin. No activity “hostile to democratic principles, secretive, or of military or quasi-military nature” was permitted. Political parties could not be dissolved except by a court judgment. Rights groups asserted existing electoral practices contravened these provisions.
Source: U.S. Department of State 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Egypt. https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship h . Minimum level of education j . Other
Comments: A candidate for the membership of the House must be an Egyptian citizen, enjoying civil and political rights, a holder of at least the certificate of basic education, and should not be below 25 Gregorian years of age on the day of opening candidacy registration. Other candidacy requirements, the electoral system, and division of electoral constituencies shall be defined by law in a manner which observes fair representation of the population and
governorates and equitable representation of voters.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 102: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf(2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age g . Nationality group h . Minimum level of education j . Other
Comments: A candidate for membership in the Senate or the person who appoints him must be an Egyptian with civil and political rights. He must have at least a university degree or equivalent, and his age must be less than thirty-five years. The law specifies the conditions of candidacy, electoral system and the division of constituencies to take into account the equitable representation of the population and the governorates. Nomination can take place through singlem-ember election or multi-member election, or both together.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, as amended to 2019. (Art. 251)
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship c . Country of birth e . Citizenship of parents j . Other
Comments: The Constitution of Egypt states that, "The President of the Republic should be an Egyptian born of Egyptian parents and enjoy civil and political rights. His age must not be less than 40 years."
"For an applicant to be accepted as a candidate to presidency, he shall be supported by at least 20 elected members of the House of Representatives, or support from at least twenty five thousand citizens enhoyting the right to vite, in at least fifteen governorates, with a minimum of one thousand supporter from each governorate."
Source: Constitution 2014, art. 141-143.
http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
c . Criminal record j . Physical health problems k . Mental health problems l . Multiple Citizenship m . Citizenship of parents
Comments: The Presidential Elections Law specified the conditions and controls for candidacy for the presidential elections, including conditions that must be met by the candidate to ensure the competence and eligibility of those who apply for candidacy, and the most prominent conditions are that he must be Egyptian from Egyptian parents, and that he has not carried or any of his parents or the wife of the nationality of another country, and that he has not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty, even if he has been rehabilitated, and that his age on the day of opening the door for candidacy is not less than forty Gregorian years.
Source: Article 1 of Presidential Decree No. 22/2014, on the Regulation of the Presidential Elections. https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/preselect-22_2014_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: An individual system candidate shall submit a request for Nomination for the membership of the People's Assembly, in writing, to the election committee in the governorate in which he wishes to be nominated [as a candidate] in one of the constituencies [contained within the governorate], during the period which is to be determined by a decision of the High Elections Commission, provided that this period shall not be less than five days from the date the nomination period begins.
Source: Law No. 38/1972 On The People’s Assembly (28/12/2011) with its amendments, art. 3: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_people_s_assembly_including_amendments_to_october_2011.pdf (2011);
Presidential Decree No. 22/2014, on the Regulation of the Presidential Elections, art. 1&2: https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/preselect-22_2014_en.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) b . Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: "The candidacy application shall be submitted to the PEC, using the form established by and within the period determined by the PEC, which shall be not less than ten days nor exceed thirty days from the date of opening the candidacy period.
The candidacy application must be submitted with the documents specified by the PEC, particularly including the following:
1. The forms of endorsement or support of the candidate.
2. Birth certificate of the candidate or an official copy thereof.
3. Certified copy of the educational qualification held by the candidate.
4. A statement by the candidate indicating that s/he is an Egyptian born to Egyptian
parents, and that s/he, her/his parents nor spouse hold a citizenship of another
country.
5. Criminal records certificate of the candidate.
6. Testimony that the candidate has completed or has been legally exempted from
the military service.
7. Financial disclosure as provided for in Law No. 62 of 1975 on illegal earnings.
8. Medical report issued by the entity decided by the PEC on the results of the
medical check-up performed for the candidate.
9. A statement that the candidate had never been convicted of any felony or crime
involving immoral act or dishonesty, even if s/he had been rehabilitated.
10. Receipt showing payment of the sum of twenty thousand pounds for the benefit of the PEC treasury, as an insurance deposit, refundable after the promulgation of electoral results deducting the expenses incurred for publishing and removal of
electoral posters, as the case may be.
11. A statement indicating the address where the candidate opts to receive all
communications from the PEC.
All documents, statements, and records submitted by the candidate shall be considered as official documents in the application of the provisions of the penal code."
Source: Presidential Decree No. 22/2014, on the Regulation of the Presidential Elections, Article 2, 12.
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 126: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf(2014);
Law No. 38/1972 On The People’s Assembly (28/12/2011) with its amendments, art. 3: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_people_s_assembly_including_amendments_to_october_2011.pdf (2011);
Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No. ( 45) of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art. 26: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViD_3vlVhHw;
Decree No. 12 amending Law on Political Parties, art. 11: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Story.aspx?sid=55527 (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Updated February 2007.
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are not entitled to public funding.
Source: Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt 2014: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf(2014);
Law No. 38/1972 On The People’s Assembly (28/12/2011) with its amendments: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_people_s_assembly_including_amendments_to_october_2011.pdf (2011);
Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No.(45) of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art. 26: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViD_3vlVhHw.
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A party’s resources comprise membership subscriptions, donations of Egyptian natural persons and profits from investments in non-commercial activities defined in the party’s bylaws. Party donations are not tax-deductible.
Source: Decree No. 12 amending Law on Political Parties, art. 11: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Story.aspx?sid=55527 (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
a . Public disclosure of party contributions received c . Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources
Comments: Article 11 of Law 40 on the Political Party System states:
"The party may not accept any donation, privilege, or benefit from an alien, a foreign or international entity, or from any juridical person even if it enjoys the Egyptian nationality.
The party shall notify the Central Audit Agency for the donations it received, and of the data of the donors, at the end of the year."
Source: Law 40 on the Political Party System.
Updated February 2007.
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
c . Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources e . Ceilings on candidate election expenses
Comments: Article 18 of Law 38 on the People's Assembly states that for People's Assembly candidates there is a, "prohibition from receiving funds from abroad, from any foreign person or any foreign or international body or its representative in the country for spending on election campaigns . . ."
Article 27 of Law 174 on Presidential Elections creates a similar restiction on foreign funding of Presidential election campaigns. Law 120 on the Shura Council does not contain any such restriction.
Article 11 of Law 38 on the People's Assembly gives the Higher Election Commission the authority to determine campaign spending limits for People's Assembly candidates. For the 2005 Parliamentary Elections this was set at LE 70,000 for the initial election and LE 30,000 for any run-off election.
Law 174 on Presidential Elections defines the spending limits for Presidential candidates in Article 24, "Maximum expenditure by each candidate on the election campaign shall be LE 10 million, and LE 2 million in case of re-election. "
There are no provisions for campaign spending limits defined in Law 120 on the Shura Council.
Source: Law 38 on the People's Assembly, Law 120 on the Shura Council, and Law 174 on Presidential Elections.
Updated February 2007.
Verified: 2025/09/30
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
c . Government department
Comments: Article 11 of Law 40 on the Political Party System states:
"The party shall notify the Central Audit Agency for the donations it received, and of the data of the donors, at the end of the year."
Article 12 states :
"The Central Audit Agency shall periodically audit the books and documents of the party’s revenues an expenditures account and its other financial affairs, to ascertain the soundness of the party’s resources and legitimacy of its funds expenditure aspects. They party shall enable the Agency to carry out the forgoing.
The said Agency shall draw up an annual report on the financial standing and affairs of the party and notify the head of the Political Parties Affairs Committee of such a report. "
Source: Law 40 on the Political Party System.
Updated February 2007.
Verified: 2025/09/30
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies h . Party symbols in color o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: "Voting in elections or referendums shall be implemented by ticking on a balloting card prepared especially for this purpose.
The head of the polling station shall give each voter an unfolded balloting card, sealed in its back by the committee, carrying the date of the election or the referendum. The voter shall be directed to one of the sides assigned to voting in the polling station itself. He/she shall make his vote and return the card folded to the head of the station who will insert the card in the balloting box. At the same time, the polling station secretary shall place a tick in front of the name of the voter who cast his/her vote.
To guarantee the secrecy of the election or the referendum, balloting cards shall be designed in such a way that associates the name of each candidate in an election, or each subject in a referendum, with a certain color or symbol to be defined by a decision of the Minister of Interior."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, Article 29.
Updated in October 2006
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) g . Different ballots used in different constituencies h . Party symbols in color o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Comments: "Voting in elections or referendums shall be implemented by ticking on a balloting card prepared especially for this purpose.
The head of the polling station shall give each voter an unfolded balloting card, sealed in its back by the committee, carrying the date of the election or the referendum. The voter shall be directed to one of the sides assigned to voting in the polling station itself. He/she shall make his vote and return the card folded to the head of the station who will insert the card in the balloting box. At the same time, the polling station secretary shall place a tick in front of the name of the voter who cast his/her vote.
To guarantee the secrecy of the election or the referendum, balloting cards shall be designed in such a way that associates the name of each candidate in an election, or each subject in a referendum, with a certain color or symbol to be defined by a decision of the Minister of Interior."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, Article 29.
Updated in October 2006
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) f . Same ballot papers used nation-wide
Comments: “Voting in elections shall be made by marking (voter's choice) on the ballot paper. The election committee head has to hand out each voter an open ballot paper, bearing on the back PEC seal and the election date. The voter shall to take to one of the assigned places for balloting within the same election room. After indicating his choice on the ballot paper, the voter shall hand it back folded to the head of the committee for insertion into the ballot box. At the same time, he shall put his signature fingerprint opposite his name on the voters’ roster. Then, the voter dips his finger in an ink removable only at least 24 hours after balloting.”
Source: Law 174 of 2005 on Presidential Elections, Article 32.
Updated March 2007
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: The counting of election or referendum votes from a polling station shall be held in the presence of the head of the polling station committee at the premises of the General Committee. The counting of the votes for the party-lists shall be conducted at the General Committee of the constituency. However, the National Electoral Commission may decide to carry out vote counting at the polling stations.
Source: Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments, art. 34, 34 Bis: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2012).
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
l . Counted by hand
Comments:
Source: Updated March 2007
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
e . National level
Comments: "Both the head and the secretary of the general station shall sign two copies of the minutes of the session. One copy, with all the voting ballots, shall be sent directly to the Minister of Interior. The second copy shall be kept in the Security Directorate Office."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, article 36.
Updated March 2007
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other) d . National level
Comments: For presidency, candidates are elected on a majority-vote national level.
For the legislature, it is a mix of direct election and proportional representation across constituencies. For the House of Representatives, 284 seats are allocated to closed-list proportional representation across four constituencies; two with 40 seats each, and the other two with 102 seats each. In the Senate, 200 seats are direct elected. The other 100 seats allocated to the closed-list system are also divided into four constituencies: two with 13 seats each, and two others with 37 seats each.
Source: Updated September 2025
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported
Comments: "Both the head and the secretary of the general station shall sign two copies of the minutes of the session. One copy, with all the voting ballots, shall be sent directly to the Minister of Interior. The second copy shall be kept in the Security Directorate Office."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, Article 36.
Updated March 2007
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
f . Certificate of result
Comments: "The head of the general election committee shall announce the result of election or referendum and the number of votes won by each candidate in his respective constituency. Both the committee head and secretary shall sign three copies of the minutes of the session; one of which, along with all election or referendum papers shall be sent to the Interior Minister, the second to the HEC directly and the third copy shall be kept at the governorate security directorate headquarters."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, article 36.
Updated March 2007
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
h . Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Comments: While not defined in the law, this is the case in practice.
Source: Updated March 2007
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2012.)
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Updated March 2007
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
j . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Updated March 2007
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: "The head of the general station shall announce the result of the election or referendum, and the number of votes obtained by each candidate in the constituency."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, article 36.
Updated March 2007
Verified: 2025/09/30
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 36 of Law 73 states :
"The head of the general election committee shall announce the result of election or referendum and the number of votes won by each candidate in his respective constituency. Both the committee head and secretary shall sign three copies of the minutes of the session; one of which, along with all election or referendum papers shall be sent to the Interior Minister, the second to the HEC directly and the third copy shall be kept at the governorate security directorate headquarters."
And Article 37 that :
"The HEC chairman shall announce the overall result of election or referendum by a decision to be issued within the three days following the announcement of the results of election or referendum by the heads of general election committees in the constituencies. This decision shall be published in the Egyptian Official Gazette within two days of its issuance."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, Articles 36 and 37.
Updated March 2007
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: "The HEC chairman shall announce the overall result of election or referendum by a decision to be issued within the three days following the announcement of the results of election or referendum by the heads of general election committees in the constituencies. This decision shall be published in the Egyptian Official Gazette within two days of its issuance."
Source: Law 73 of 1956 on the Exercise of Political Rights, Article 37.
Updated March 2007
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: Country Profile: Egypt. Produced by the BBC. Available URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/737642.stm
"A Quick Overview of the Egyptian press." Produced by the Cairo Times. Available at URL: http://www.cairotimes.com/content/issues/media/quidir.html
The Center for Media Freedom, Middle East and North Africa
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5309.htm
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Country Profile: Egypt. Produced by the BBC. Available URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/737642.stm
"A Quick Overview of the Egyptian press." Produced by the Cairo Times. Available at URL: http://www.cairotimes.com/content/issues/media/quidir.html
The Center for Media Freedom, Middle East and North Africa
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5309.htm
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: Country Profile: Egypt. Produced by the BBC. Available URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/737642.stm
"A Quick Overview of the Egyptian press." Produced by the Cairo Times. Available at URL: http://www.cairotimes.com/content/issues/media/quidir.html
The Center for Media Freedom, Middle East and North Africa
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5309.htm
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
a . Government newspaper holds a monopoly
Comments: The Egyptian press is sharply divided along ownership lines with the government owning stock in the three largest daily newspapers: al-Ahram, al-Akhbar, and al-Gomhuriya.
Source: "A Quick Overview of the Egyptian press." Produced by the Cairo Times. Available at URL: http://www.cairotimes.com/content/issues/media/quidir.html
Verified: 2006/03/22
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
d . Not applicable: no private radio stations exist
Comments: ERTU holds a monopoly on radio broadcasting in Egypt, owning and operating eight national radio networks on FM, AM, and shortwave frequencies. Radio Cairo broadcasts in 33 languages on short wave, and an Arabic-language service, Voice of the Arabs, broadcasts to Europe and the Middle East.
Source: Country Profile: Egypt. Produced by the BBC. Available URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/737642.stm
Verified: 2006/03/22
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: The Center for Media Freedom, Middle East, and North Africa
http://www.cmfmena.org/publications/Egypt_media_environment.rtf
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
d . Not applicable: no private radio stations exist
Comments:
Source: Country Profile: Egypt. Produced by the BBC. Available URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/737642.stm
Verified: 2006/03/22
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
d . Not applicable: no public radio stations exist
Comments:
Source: Country Profile: Egypt. Produced by the BBC. Available URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/737642.stm
Verified: 2006/03/22
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
b . Government radio e . Government television f . Private television g . Print media
Comments: b. 1
e. 1
f. 2
g. 1
Source: Egypt Embassy in Lebanon
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
a . Government
Comments:
Source: http://www.internews.org/arab%5Fmedia%5Fresearch/egypt.pdf
Verified: 2005/06/15
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
e . Government departments
Comments:
Source: http://www.internews.org/arab%5Fmedia%5Fresearch/egypt.pdf
Verified: 2005/06/15
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: http://www.internews.org/arab%5Fmedia%5Fresearch/egypt.pdf
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
d . No regulation
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
b . Voluntary regulator (e.g. media council, journalists' ethics committee)
Comments:
Source: http://www.internews.org/arab%5Fmedia%5Fresearch/egypt.pdf
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
b . Requiring balance in media news coverage of an election
Comments:
Source: http://www.internews.org/arab%5Fmedia%5Fresearch/egypt.pdf
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: http://www.internews.org/arab%5Fmedia%5Fresearch/egypt.pdf
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal prosecution b . Administrative sanction
Comments:
Source: http://www.internews.org/arab%5Fmedia%5Fresearch/egypt.pdf
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME031
Question: Have the media or journalists' organisations adopted a code of ethics specific to elections? Please send us a copy.
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/codeethics.asp?UILang=1&CId=38191&CIdLang=1
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
a . EMB
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The National Electoral Commission shall create rules governing distribution of air time available, especially prime-time TV and radio, for the purpose of electoral campaigning in state-owned and private media outlets based on full equality.
Source: Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments, art. 3 Bis-F (7): http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2012).
Verified: 2018/04/02
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME053
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size and previous performance of candidate's party
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
And Ministry of Information
Verified: 2008/02/04
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No. (45) of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViEX-vlVhHx (2014).
Verified: 2018/04/02
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
c . 4-5 days
Comments: All media outlets are prohibited from publishing or broadcasting any poll during the five days prior to the day fixed for the conduct of the election or referendum; until the end of the voting process.
Source: Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No. (45) of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art. 33: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViEX-vlVhHx (2014).
Verified: 2018/04/02
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Information
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Information
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
c . After all polls close, after official results are available
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME068
Question: Have staff responsible for media relations received training for this work?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/trainingarchive.asp?CountryID=4&UILang=1
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME069
Question: Which of the following has the EMB produced or organised?
Answer(s):
b . Press releases c . Press conferences/briefings d . Pre-recorded radio or TV slots
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=SIDX&StructuredIndexCode=ID0201010102010108&LawBookID=021020012049440
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME070
Question: Has the EMB provided or facilitated training for journalists in how the electoral process works?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/trainingarchive.asp?CountryID=4&UILang=1
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME071
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations, provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME072
Question: Which of the following television stations provide free broadcast time to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME073
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide free print space to the EMB for voter information campaigns?
Answer(s):
b . Government owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: http://www.arab-ipu.org/pdb/RelatedArticlesGvnSPName.asp?SPName=CHRN&StructuredIndexCode=&LawBookID=211220016956490&Year1=&Year2=&YearGorH=
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME077
Question: What steps does the EMB take to make sure that it is communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
d . It monitors the media coverage of its own activities.
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Information
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME078
Question: Which of the following do you judge to be significant barriers to the EMB in communicating its message to the media?
Answer(s):
a . Insufficient staff with responsibility for media relations b . Insufficient training of staff with responsibility for media relations
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Information
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME079
Question: Overall, how effective do you judge the EMB's ability to communicate through the media during election campaigns to be?
Answer:
c . Not very effective
Comments:
Source: Ministry of Information
Verified: 2005/06/22
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The maximum expenditure limit that each candidate has to spend on election campaigning shall be two million Egyptian pounds and the maximum expenditure limit at the run-off shall be one million Egyptian pounds.
Source: Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No. (45) of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art.25: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViEX-vlVhHx (2014).
Verified: 2018/04/02
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 137, 151, 157, 161, 226: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic may not dissolve the House of Representatives except by a causative decision and following a public referendum. To dissolve the House of Representatives, the President must issue a decision to suspend parliamentary sessions and hold a referendum within 20 days. If voters agreed with a valid majority on the dissolution, it shall be carried out.
The declaration of a state of emergency must be approved by a majority of members of each Council. The declaration shall be for a specified period not exceeding six months, which can only be extended by another similar period upon the people’s approval in a public referendum.
If a constitutional amendment request is approved by both Houses, each of them shall discuss the text of the articles to be amended within 60 days from the date of approval; if approved by a two-thirds majority of each House, the amendment shall be put to public referendum within 30 days from the date of approval. The amendment shall be effective from the date of announcement of the referendum result.
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art. 137, 151, 161, 226: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic may call for a referendum on important issues relating to the supreme interests of the State. The result of a referendum shall be binding to all state authorities and the general public in all cases.
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art.157: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, revised 2019: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, revised 2019
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Articles 1 to 3, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Articles 1 to 3, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Articles 1 to 3, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD106
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law.
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD107
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law.
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law.
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law.
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Articles 1 to 3, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law.
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Articles 1 to 3, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. The date of referendum is only announced in the public newspaper.
Source: Article 23, Political rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/22
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department)
Comments: Ministry of Interior with the help of internal small committees that are elected by the Minister of Interior.
Source: Article 24, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Ministry of Interior with the help of internal small committees that are elected by the Minister of Interior.
Source: Article 24, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . President d . Legislative majority
Comments: "The amendment of one or more of the Constitution articles may be requested by the President of the Republic or one-fifth of the members of the House of Representatives. The request specifies the articles to be amended and the reasons for the amendments."
Source: Article 226, Constitution (2014, revised 2019).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
c . President d . Legislature
Comments: "The amendment of one or more of the Constitution articles may be requested by the President of the Republic or one-fifth of the members of the House of Representatives. The request specifies the articles to be amended and the reasons for the amendments."
Source: Article 226, Constitution (2014, revised 2019).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
a . Government
Comments: Ministry of Interior with the help of internal small committees that are elected by the Minister of Interior.
Source: Article 24, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
a . Government
Comments: Ministry of Interior with the help of internal small committees that are elected by the Minister of Interior.
Source: Article 24, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Article 35, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Article 35, Political Rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/17
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
c . Never
Comments: They are only opinions; the president has the final decision
Source: Articles 36 and 37, Political Rights Law.
Article 62, Constitution
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
c . Never
Comments: They are only opinions; the president has the final decision
Source: Articles 36 and 37, Political Rights Law.
Article 62, Constitution
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: Not applicable. Only the government or president takes the initiatives.
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/18
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/18
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Article 62, Constitution
Article 1, Political rights Law
Verified: 2005/05/18
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art.137, 151, 161, 226: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014, art.137, 151, 161, 226: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of The Arab Republic of Egypt 2014: http://www.sis.gov.eg/Newvr/Dustor-en001.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
d . 1941-1960
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
h . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/30
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: "Electoral Code of Conduct." https://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/PE18_Electoral-Code-of-Conduct_en.pdf
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: “The Minister of Interior shall decide the number and location of general and sub-polling stations where elections and referendums will be held. Each station will have a head and no less than two members. Each station will have a secretary.”
Source: Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2013)
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments:
Source: Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No.45 of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art. 50: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViELw_lVhHw (2014);
Legislative Decree No. 130 of 2011 concerning the Egyptians living abroad vote: http://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/OCVoting2011-130.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments:
Source: Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No.45 of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art. 50: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViELw_lVhHw (2014);
Legislative Decree No. 130 of 2011 concerning the Egyptians living abroad vote: http://www.elections.eg/images/pdfs/laws/OCVoting2011-130.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments: Only if abroad.
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2025/09/23
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: “Voting in elections or referendums shall be implemented by ticking on a balloting card prepared especially for this purpose. The head of the polling station shall give each voter an unfolded balloting card, sealed in its back by the committee, carrying the date of the election or the referendum.”
Source: Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No.45 of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art. 44: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViELw_lVhHw (2014);
Law No. 73 of the year 1956 Regulating the Exercise of Political Rights and its Amendments, art. 29: http://www.democracy-reporting.org/files/law_on_the_exercise_of_political_rights_including_amendments_to_december.pdf (2013).
Verified: 2025/09/23
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