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Shura CouncilThe Shura Council (Arabic: مجلس الشورى, "consultative council") is the upper house of Egyptian bicameral Parliament. Its name roughly translates into English as "the Consultative Council". The lower house of parliament is the People's Assembly. The Shura Council was created in 1980 through a Constitutional Amendment. The Council is composed of 264 members of which 176 members are directly elected and 88 are appointed by the President of the Republic for six-year terms. Membership is rotating, with one half of the Council renewed every three years. The Shura Council's legislative powers are limited. It chose the members of the Constituent Assembly of Egypt. On most matters of legislation, the People's Assembly retains the last word in the event of a disagreement between the two houses.
Members
The Shura Council must be made up of 264 members, two thirds of the council (176) is elected by a direct ballot, and half of the Council must be farmers or workers, the remaining third (88) is appointed by the President of the Republic.
Term of membership and activities
The term membership of the Shura Council is six years. However, renewed election and appointment of 50% of the total number of members is required every three years, and it is always possible to re-elect or re-appoint those members whose membership has expired. The Constitution has provided many guarantees whereby the Council is able to carry out its tasks and activities. Such Guarantees include:
The Council may not be dissolved except by a Presidential decree and only in case of necessity. Members of the Council have parliamentary immunity.
Candidates criteria
In accordance with the law, any candidate wishing to be elected to the Shura Council should meet the following conditions:
Ø Hold the Egyptian nationality as well as being the son/daughter of an Egyptian national. Ø Be not less than 35 years old upon election or nomination. Ø Have completed military service or be exempted therefrom.
The Shura Council member is elected by the absolute majority of valid votes cast in the elections.
Powers
Although the powers of the Shura Council are not as extensive or effective as the People’s Assembly, its jurisdiction as provided by Articles (194) and (195) of the Constitution covers the studying and proposing of what is deemed necessary to preserve the principles of the July 23rd revolution and the May 15th, 1971 Corrective Revolution. The Shura Council is to be consulted on the following (Article 195):
The council must ratify:
Ø
Constitutional amendment bills. Ø All treaties or agreements affecting Egypt’s territorial integrity or sovereignty.
In case of disagreements with the People’s Assembly, a combined committee is formed composed of both chambers’ chairmen and seven members from each chamber. The proposed bill is reconsidered in both chambers. If either still disagrees, the issue is once again in a joint session of both chambers to reach a common statement. The council is considered on a consultative capacity for: Ø Drafts, and general plans for social and economic development. Ø
Bills referred to the Council by the
President of the Republic. Ø All matters relating to the state’s general policy or international issues referred to the Shura Council by the President of the Republic. In this case, the council submits its decision to the president and the People’s Assembly.
Parliamentary elections
There are currently 18 recognized political parties covering a broad political spectrum. However, the formation of political parties based on religion is prohibited by the Constitution. Opposition and political pressure groups, like the Muslim Brotherhood, are active in Egypt and make their views public, and they are represented at various levels in the political system. However, power is concentrated in the hands of the President of the Republic and the National Democratic Party which retains a super-majority in the Peoples Assembly. The November 2000 parliamentary elections are generally regarded to have been more transparent and better executed than past elections. This is due to the new law put into force establishing universal judicial monitoring of polling stations. On the other hand, opposition parties continue to lodge credible complaints about electoral manipulation by the government. There are significant restrictions on the political process and freedom of expression for non-governmental organizations, including professional syndicates and organizations promoting respect for human rights. |
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