Preparations Underway in Egypt to Allow Expats to Vote in Senate Elections

Egypt's Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs meets with Chairman of the National Elections Authority (NEA) in Cairo on Monday, July 6, 2020. (Egyptian government)
Egypt's Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs meets with Chairman of the National Elections Authority (NEA) in Cairo on Monday, July 6, 2020. (Egyptian government)
TT

Preparations Underway in Egypt to Allow Expats to Vote in Senate Elections

Egypt's Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs meets with Chairman of the National Elections Authority (NEA) in Cairo on Monday, July 6, 2020. (Egyptian government)
Egypt's Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs meets with Chairman of the National Elections Authority (NEA) in Cairo on Monday, July 6, 2020. (Egyptian government)

The Egyptian government has kicked off preparations for the Senate elections, scheduled to be held on August 11-12.

The National Elections Authority (NEA) announced on Monday that expatriates will be allowed to vote over two days starting August 9.

Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Nabila Makram discussed Monday with NEA Chairman Lasheen Ibrahim the voting mechanism for expats.

She pledged to cooperate with the NEA to provide all the facilitations possible for expatriates to cast their votes.

She highlighted the national role played by Egyptians abroad and their participation in all constitutional entitlements.

Lasheen said the Immigration Ministry will be provided with all the necessary information about the candidates, their electoral constituencies and their resumes once the list of nomiees is finalized.

“The Ministry will also be provided with voting mechanisms and controls for Egyptians abroad.”

Once the list is completed, it will be published on the Ministry’s official website, Makram stated.

The Senate will include 300 seats, one third of which will be elected via the individual candidacy system, another third to be elected through the closed party list system and a third to be named by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The constitution stipulates that its members will serve for a five-year term.

The Senate was revived as part of constitutional amendments approved in a national referendum in April last year. The Senate was dropped from the constitution in 2014.



Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
TT

Lebanon's Al-Rahi: Neutrality is the Foundation of the National Pact

Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)
Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi (NNA)

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi on Sunday called for adopting a policy of neutrality as an effective solution to Lebanon’s current political, social and sectarian crises.

“Neutrality is the foundation of Lebanon's National Pact and not a substitute for it,” the Patriarch said in his Sunday sermon.

Al-Rahi praised President Joseph Aoun's oath and spoke about the trust people have in Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam.

“The Lebanese people feel reassured when they listen to the principles that President Aoun intends to follow, in addition to the promises made by world leaders to support Lebanon and help it achieve economic, social and financial growth,” al-Rahi said.

He added that citizens have also placed their trust in the PM-designate, expressing hope for the swift formation of a government in collaboration with the President.

The Patriarch commended Aoun for his pledge to adopt positive neutrality in his inaugural speech, noting that this promise has provided much-needed comfort to many citizens.

He also highlighted the President’s efforts to align neutrality with economic reforms, such as promoting high-quality exports, attracting tourism, and driving economic recovery.

According to al-Rahi, these initiatives underscore that neutrality not only strengthens national unity but also creates the foundation for stability, growth, and prosperity.

Also, the Patriarch reiterated that Lebanon’s identity is not defined by dominance but by its unique role as a beacon of freedom and coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

For Lebanon to fulfill its mission as a bridge between cultures and religions, he affirmed, it must adopt an active and positive stance of neutrality.

“Positive neutrality is a political doctrine that avoids alignment with conflicting regional or international blocs while remaining committed to just causes globally, such as the right of peoples to independence,” al-Rahi said.

He further emphasized that neutrality is a cornerstone of Lebanon’s National Pact and offers the most effective solution to the country’s ongoing political, social, and sectarian crises.

Aoun's election and the designation of a new premier have increased optimism for Lebanon’s future.

Salam will likely present this week his government lineup to Aoun, who must sign the formation decree. Parliament will then convene to issue a vote of confidence for the new government.