Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s National Election Authority (NEA) has indicated that it may cancel parliamentary elections entirely or in part, following remarks by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi regarding alleged irregularities in the ongoing vote. This marks the authority’s first official response to the president’s statements.
Earlier on Monday, President el-Sisi addressed “incidents” reported in certain electoral districts where individual candidates are competing. He suggested that the NEA review complaints and, if necessary, annul the first phase of the elections, either fully or partially “if the true will of the voters cannot be ascertained.”
In a subsequent press conference, NEA Chairman Hazem Badawi emphasized that the authority is committed to the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. “The authority is not insulated from the developments surrounding the elections. We have nothing to hide, and we do not cover up any violations,” Badawi said. He confirmed that the NEA board is currently reviewing complaints submitted by candidates, voters, and observers, and assured that decisions will be made in accordance with the law, even if this results in canceling the elections entirely or in specific districts.
“Voters can rest assured that no representative will enter the parliament without their genuine will,” Badawi added. “Long live Egypt, and may God protect its people and land from harm.”
President el-Sisi also called on the NEA to publicly disclose the measures taken in response to violations related to campaign advertising, ensuring oversight is effective and that such breaches do not recur in subsequent rounds of voting.
The first phase of Egypt’s parliamentary elections began last week in 14 governorates, including Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, New Valley, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Beheira, and Matrouh. The elections follow a mixed system combining proportional representation through party lists and individual candidate contests.
The second phase is scheduled for November 21–22 abroad and November 24–25 within Egypt, covering governorates such as Cairo, Qalyubia, Dakahlia, Monufia, Gharbia, Kafr El Sheikh, Sharqia, Damietta, Port Said, Ismailia, Suez, North Sinai, and South Sinai.
Observers have noted that the president’s intervention highlights heightened scrutiny of electoral integrity, reflecting public sensitivity to fairness in Egypt’s parliamentary process amid ongoing political developments.
