Al-Wafd Newspaper
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Mahnay Youssef, a human rights lawyer, affirmed that the amendment to the new Election Law No. 82 of 2025, which modifies certain provisions of Parliament Law No. 46 of 2014, marks a qualitative shift in the legislative structure governing Egypt’s electoral process.
In exclusive statements to Al-Wafd Gate, Youssef stated that the amendment represents a pivotal step toward enhancing parliamentary representation and achieving greater political fairness among different segments of the population. It also aligns with Article 102 of the Egyptian Constitution, which mandates ensuring equitable representation and equal voting rights.
He noted that the mixed electoral system was preserved (50% closed-list, 50% individual), but the seat distribution was adjusted to ensure better representation for marginalized and border governorates. The law also clearly specifies quotas for certain groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and Egyptians abroad, which were not as explicitly defined in the old version.
Youssef further explained that the law confirms full judicial supervision over the elections, with modifications to the supervision duration to ensure transparency and timely results. Minor amendments were also made to candidacy requirements, including a full-time commitment and raising the minimum educational qualifications for certain categories.
From a legal perspective, Youssef stated, the law’s reliance on accurate demographic distribution ensures more realistic representation. Maintaining a hybrid system combining closed lists and individual candidacy strikes a balance between party representation and independent candidates, enhancing parliamentary diversity.
Youssef concluded that the new election law is not the end of reform, but rather the beginning of a long journey toward developing parliamentary life. This path requires public awareness, active participation, and ongoing modernization of the legal system in line with the aspirations of a modern Egyptian state.
