Introduction:

The Shura Council is the upper house of the Egyptian Parliament. The council is composed of 270 members, of which 2/3 of the members are directly elected by the population. The last 90 members are appointed by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. The sitting-term is six-years with a rotating membership every three years, where half of the council is changed.

The legislative power of the Council is limited, and the People’s assembly does have the last say in any disagreement. However, the Council is to be consulted in specific matters regarding the legislation of Egypt e.g. on constitutional amendment bills and agreements affecting Egypt’s territorial integrity or sovereignty.

The Shura Council elections take place at the following dates:

Shura Council elections stage #1:

• Polling: 29-30 January; Run-offs: 7 February
• In: Cairo, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Daqahaliya , Menoufiya, Damietta, North Sinai, South Sinai, Fayoum, Assiut, Qena, the Red Sea and the New Valley

Shura Council elections stage #2:

• Polling: 14-15 February; Run-offs: 22 February
• In: Giza, Qalioubiya, Sharqiya, Beheira, Kafr El-Sheikh, Ismailiya, Port Said, Suez, Marsa Matrouh, Beni Suef, Minya, Sohag, Luxor and Aswan

Key Facts about the Shura Council:

• Shura Council opening session: 28 February
• Shura Council total membership: 270 (six seats more than the outgoing Shura Council whose number stood at 264). Number of elected seats: 180, Number of seats appointed by president (SCAF): 90.
• Shura Council seats elected via proportional representation list system: 120 from 30 constituencies
• Shura Council seats elected via individual candidacy system: 60 from 30 constituencies
• Number of candidates running for Shura Council individual candidacy seats: 2,036 competing for 60 seats