A presidential statement invited Egyptians Wednesday to take part in the election of 88 members of the Shura Council, according to press reports.
The polls will kick off on May 16 in three phases in 69 electoral constituencies, and end on June 6.
Previous reports expected that the elections will witness heated competition with the participation of all political parties.
Like the People’s Assembly’s, the elections will be held under full supervision of judicial authority.
Security bodies were placed on high alert within framework of facilitating the needed security and preventing flare of violence, said the reports.
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
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