Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Update on Egyptian Elections October 11, 2011

The Egyptian elections are still scheduled.

The US has called for restraint in the wake of the Maspero military killings of Copts. White House spokesman Jay Carney emphasized the need to move forward with timely elections and a continued transition to democracy.

Parliamentary elections currently appear to be scheduled on November 28, 2011.

The April 6th Youth Movement said that the group is launching an awareness campaign to teach citizens the meaning of their vote. Some observers have expressed concerns that formed NDP members may win seats through bribery or provision of social services. (Sherine Rabie, "Apil 6 Movement Launches Political Awareness Campaign Before Elections," Al Masry Al Youm, October 10, 2011)

On Saturday, the SCAF agreed to cancel a provision barring members of political parties from running as independents. Professor of political science Gehad Ouda explained that allowing members to run as individuals gives candidates two options, to run as part of a party list, or as individuals. Under Mubarak, all candidates ran on the single-winner system, which ensured solid majorities for NDP. See Ahmed Zaki Osman, "Recent Amendments may fail to ensure fair elections," Al Masry Al Youm, October 9, 2011)

Also on Saturday, the Egyptian Bloc Coalition, which includes 21 political parties, laid down its rules for the parliamentary candidates it will field. Members include the Egyptian Democratic Party, the Egyptian Social Party, and the Free Egyptians. Essam Serry, President of the Sout Al Horreya Party, said the party has not decided whether to run under the coalition or not. (Adel el-Daragli, "Egyptian Bloc Coalition sets criteria for parliamentary nominations," Al Masry Al Youm, October 9, 2011)

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