Egypt "finalizes" presidential election deadline

Egyptian information and election officials have denied the possibility of holding an early presidential election in the North African country.

According to the Constitution, the procedure for electing the Egyptian president must begin at least 120 days before the end of the current president's term, and the announcement of the election results must take at least 30 days. (Source: AP)

According to the Egyptian Constitution, the procedure for electing the president of the republic must begin at least 120 days before the end of the presidential term and the announcement of the election results must take at least 30 days, said Diaa Rashwan, Coordinator General of the National Dialogue and Chairman of the Egyptian State Information Authority (SIS).

Dia Rashwan’s explanation came at a time when foreign media were abuzz with rumors that Cairo would hold early presidential elections. The official said that this was not an early election, but was only taking place according to legal procedures.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's term begins on April 2, 2018 and ends on April 2, 2024. This means that the nomination procedures and announcement of the presidential election date must take place before December 3 this year. Any timeframe beyond this deadline will be invalid.

The Egyptian Constitution allows for early presidential elections only in exceptional circumstances. Specifically, Article 161 states that elections will be held earlier than scheduled if the House of Representatives votes no confidence in the president. The process is completed after a reasonable motion signed by at least a majority of the House of Representatives and after approval by two-thirds of the members of the legislature.

In addition, the president has a term of 6 years and cannot hold this position for more than 2 consecutive terms. Presidential candidates must receive the support of at least 20 members of the House of Representatives or must obtain the signatures of support of at least 25,000 citizens, all of which are done by direct secret ballot.

National Dialogue Secretary General Mahmoud Fawzi said there were some opinions that the presidential term ending on June 30 was against the spirit of the Constitution.

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