Democracy News
Egypt Completes First Round of New Parliamentary Elections
December 6, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly
On December 6, Egypt completed its first stage of highly anticipated parliamentary elections, the nation's first steps toward creating a new national government. The first round of the runoff was held on November 28 in nine of the country's 27 provinces. This historic vote marked Egypt's first election since the ousting of former President Hosni Mubarak earlier this year.
While initial estimates expected around 80 percent turnout, actual rates were disappointing. It was reported that 62 percent of eligible voters came out to vote. BBC News reported that the head of the Egyptian election committee later announced that turnout was even lower at 52 percent.
Under Egypt's new complex electoral system, the new government will be voted in through several stages. According to BBC News, elections for 498 seats of the lower People's Assembly were scheduled to occur between November 28, 2011 and January 10, 2012. Elections for the upper house, the Shura Council, will occur between January 29, 2012 and March 11, 2012. The Presidential election will be scheduled in mid-2012.
Voting for the People's Assembly has also been split into three stages, with each stage to include 9 provinces. This past election marked the completion of the first stage. The second stage has been scheduled for December 14. The third and final stage will be held on January 3, 2012.
Of the 498 available seats (the Assembly holds 508 seats, with 10 appointed members), two-thirds will be selected through proportional representation, using lists drawn up by parties and coalitions. The remaining seats are being decided by a "first-past-the-post system" with individual candidates required to win more than 50 percent of the votes to avoid a runoff.
On December 4, official results confirmed decisive initial victories for Islamists with almost two-thirds of the vote. The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, won 36.6 percent, followed by the ultraconservative Salafist al-Nour party with 24.4 percent. As reported by BBC News, the secular Egyptian bloc came in third with 13.4 percent. The liberal Wafd party won 7.1 percent, followed by the moderate Islamist Wasat party with 4.3 percent.
While there have been concerns over an Islamist government, FJP has repeatedly stressed its commitment to an inclusive democracy. The party charter states that it strives for a "non-religious state." FJP has stated that it has no plans to form any coalition with al-Nour, whose candidates advocate a strict interpretation of Islam that includes segregation of the sexes, full veiling of women, and a ban on alcohol.
The "first-past-the-post system" for individual candidates did not produce many clear winners in the first round. According to BBC News, only 4 candidates won more than 50 percent, granting them outright victory.
The election follows 10 days of protests demanding that the military relinquish its control over the country. The military has been in control since the February removal of Mubarak. While they had promised a quick transition to civilian rule, there had been mixed signals regarding their commitment. In the days leading up to the election, a crackdown on protesters by security forces left 42 people killed and more than 3000 people wounded. According to the Washington Post, some activists called for a boycott to protest police brutality.
For previous news on Egypt, please see:
Egyptian Military's Constitutional Proposal Threatens Future of Democratic Transition
Sources:
Washington Post – Islamists confirm initial gains in Egypt's marathon election
BBC News – Egypt election officials announce 62% turnout
BBC News – Egypt elections: Low turnout for first round of run-offs
Voice of America – Egypt's Islamists Compete for Votes in Runoff Elections
Washington Post – Egyptians vote in droves as historic elections begin
New York Times – In a Surprise, Calm Prevails in Egypt's Elections
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