The renewal elections of the Egyptian Shura Council will be held May 16 in three phases to select 88 members in 69 electoral constituencies, according to the Bahraini GNA news agency.
A Republican decree was issued on Sunday inviting eligible voters to cast their votes in heated elections with the participation of all political parties, said GNA, adding that the elections will be held under full supervision of the judicial authorities, a matter which would heat up the race similar to the elections of the Sha'ab (people’s) Council in October and November.
Security bodies were placed on high alert within the framework of facilitating the needed security and preventing the flare-up of violence, said the agency.
The Shura Council is a consultative "upper house" that has no legislative powers. It was established by the late President Anwar El-Sadat in 1980 to make proposals on modifying some articles of the constitution and debating laws that complement the constitution. The Council also discusses the state's socio-economic development plans and prepares reports on specific national issues.
The Council includes 264 members, two thirds of whom (176) are chosen in secret ballot in general elections, while the remaining one third (88) are appointed by the president. A member's term of office may last up to six years, but one half of the elected (88) and the appointed (44) members are chosen by lot to lose their seats after three years. Others are elected or appointed in their place. Losers are eligible for re-election or reappointment – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
