Court for Urgent Matters Bans National Democratic Party Leaders from Elections

The Cairo Court for Urgent Matters ruled that leaders in former President Hosni Mubarak’s National Democratic Party cannot run in presidential, parliamentary, or council elections. The court found that the party had formed corrupt governments, drafted laws that contradict the constitution, and delayed implementation of court verdicts. It is unclear whether the Cairo Court for Urgent Matters has the authority to issue such a ruling. In 2011, the State Council disbanded the NDP following Mubarak’s removal from power. Former Mubarak officials could make a strong showing in the parliamentary elections if allowed to participate.