Elections in Egypt

Egypt elects on national level a head of state – a president – and a bicameral legislature.

The President of the Republic is elected for a six-year term by popular vote. This election mechanism has been in place since a May 2005 amendment to the Egyptian Constitution. Previously, the president was nominated by the People's Assembly and the nomination was confirmed by popular referendum.

Suffrage is universal and compulsory for every Egyptian citizen over 18. Failure to vote can result in fine or even imprisonment. [http://www.nationmaster.com/country/eg/dem] However, perhaps due to lax enforcement [http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/dem_com_vot_enf] , only about 32 million voters are registered (approximately 40% of the total population). Turnout in 1999 was estimated at around 10%. [http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/afx/2005/09/08/afx2212162.html]

The People's Assembly "(Majlis al-Sha'ab," lower house) has 454 members, 444 members elected for a five-year term (400 by proportional representation and 44 in single-seat constituencies) and 10 members nominated.

The Shura Council "(Majilis Al-Shura," upper house) has 264 members. Of these, 174 members are directly elected and the remaining 88 are appointed by the President. Council members serve six-year terms, with one half of their number being renewed every third year.

Egypt is a one party dominant state with the National Democratic Party in power. Opposition parties are allowed, but have yet to gain any real power.

Latest elections

2005 Presidential election

2005 Parliamentary election

Past elections

See also

* Electoral calendar
* Electoral system

External links

* [http://psephos.adam-carr.net/countries/e/egypt/ Adam Carr's Election Archive]
* [http://www.idea.int/publications/dem_egypt/upload/Egypt_country_report_English.pdf IDEA Report on Egypt]