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Political parties

Egypt's Parliamentary Election: A Familiar Pattern Emerges

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Egyptian parliamentary election is unfolding according to the script, with the National Democratic Party (NDP) dominating proceedings and the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) playing a subdued role. Established opposition parties are struggling to make a dent, raising concerns about their ability to secure the necessary 5% of seats in the new parliament to field candidates for the next presidential election. The low turnout in the first round, at 24.9%, suggests a lack of enthusiasm among voters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NDP, led by President Hosni Mubarak, has secured 26 of the 31 seats decided in the first round, with independents taking the remaining five seats, four of which are affiliated with the banned MB.
  • The NDP has been accused of lacking party discipline, with many of its members running as independents in the first round and returning to the party fold after the election.
  • The MB has around 40 candidates in contention in the run-offs, but its chances of success are limited due to the NDP's dominance and the MB's own internal divisions.
  • The administrative court has ordered fresh elections in three seats due to irregularities, while two losing candidates in Cairo have lodged complaints with the court.
  • The 'old guard' of the NDP, led by veterans such as Zakaria Azmi and Kamal el-Shazli, has performed well in the election, while the 'new guard' promoted by President Mubarak's son, Gamal, has failed to make a significant impact.
  • The poor showing of the official opposition parties has important implications for Egypt's political future, as it may disqualify the MB's candidate from standing for president in 2011.

Statistics:

  • 24.9%: The turnout in the first round of the election, according to the official count.
  • 26: The number of seats secured by the NDP in the first round.
  • 5: The number of independents who won seats in the first round, four of which are affiliated with the MB.
  • 40: The number of MB candidates in contention in the run-offs.
  • 3: The number of seats that will have to be subject to fresh elections due to irregularities.
  • 133: The number of contests in which the NDP will be fielding candidates in the run-offs.
  • 20 years: The amount of time Amal Osman has served as minister of social affairs, making him a strong candidate in the NDP fold.
  • 2011: The year in which the next presidential election is due to take place, provided President Mubarak completes his term.
  • 5%: The percentage of seats required by opposition parties to be eligible to field candidates in the presidential election.

Sources:

  • ViewsWire Middle East

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