Weekly Briefs

The Constitutional Affairs Committee within the House of Representatives finalized the proposed constitutional amendments after reviewing all feedback for the initiative, and the package was subsequently referred to plenary session for the entire legislature to deliberate and vote upon.

A subcommittee of the Constitutional Affairs committee tasked with compiling feedback on the constitutional amendments completed its review of the various proposals on April 4 and subsequently referred its findings to the full committee.

The Constitutional Affairs Committee within the House of Representatives completed the last half of its social dialogue sessions with pertinent officials regarding the proposed constitutional amendments. While most of the attendees expressed their support for the proposals, some members from the Civil Democratic Movement who participated in the sessions were opposed to the amendments.

The Constitutional Affairs Committee held its first three of six social dialogue sessions with relevant stakeholders March 20 and 21 to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments. Most of the state-aligned officials in attendance supported the initiatives, though some officials raised concerns over the future independence of the judiciary under the amendments as well as the quota for female representation in future legislatures.

The Constitutional Affairs Committee rescheduled its dialogue sessions with stakeholders over the constitutional amendments. The first three of six meetings are to be held March 20 and 21, and the latter three will occur March 27 and 28. The committee developed a list of 720 individuals, most of whom are known to be aligned with state policies, who were invited to attend the six sessions. Political parties held separate dialogue sessions nationwide to promote the proposed amendments.

The Constitutional Affairs Committee is holding several dialogue sessions with political figures and civil society members to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments. The body is expected to meet twice next week and complete its outreach by March 24.

After the House of Representatives agreed in principle to the proposed constitutional amendments on February 14, several political parties and their members engaged in internal disputes or split due to differing opinions on the proposal. Notable parties with internal strife included the Wafd, Conservative, and Democratic Egypt Parties. Some members resigned from their respective organizations, while others were subject to internal investigations.

The House of Representatives agreed in principle to the proposed constitutional amendments. Media reports indicated a vote of 485 to 18 in favor, though no official tabulation or record of votes was released. Speaker of the House Ali Abdel ‘Al subsequently referred the amendments to the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee, which will review the proposal for up to 60 days.

Summary Representatives from the Coalition in Support of Egypt officially proposed amendments to the constitution, which include extending presidential term limits to two six-year terms. The amendments would also reduce

The House responded to criticisms from European countries about Egypt’s human rights record, and three new representatives were sworn in to office.