Egypt concluded Tuesday the first phase of its parliamentary elections, covering nearly half of the nation’s provinces. The second phase of voting is scheduled to begin in about 10 days, encompassing the remaining provinces and hundreds of candidates.
The first stage, held Monday and Tuesday, saw polls open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. across 14 of 27 provinces. Egyptians living abroad cast their ballots earlier on November 7 and 8, marking the beginning of the country’s staggered electoral process.
Ahmed Bendary, of the National Elections Authority, described the turnout Tuesday as “high,” without offering precise figures, according to state media reports. A total of 1,281 candidates competed in the first phase, with preliminary results expected to be announced on November 18.
The second voting stage will take place for Egyptians abroad on November 21–22, and inside the country on November 24–25. This final phase will cover 13 provinces, where 1,316 candidates will compete for House of Representatives seats across the nation.
Egypt, a country of 108 million, has roughly 69 million registered voters eligible to participate in the parliamentary elections. The elections follow August’s Senate vote, completing the legislative process three months after the upper house was elected by Egyptians.
The House of Representatives serves a five-year term, holding a minimum of 450 members, with up to 5% appointed by the president. The Senate, also with a five-year term, consists of 300 members, one-third appointed by the president and two-thirds elected directly by citizens.