Egyptian officials and politicians took to the polls Monday morning, urging citizens to vote in the ongoing Senate elections, calling it a “national duty.” Despite appeals for public engagement, monitors reported a sluggish start, with several districts seeing limited turnout during early voting hours.
The Egyptian Coalition for Human Rights and Development, deploying 550 observers across 13 governorates, noted low participation rates but highlighted strong involvement from elderly voters, particularly in Cairo's Imbaba and Shubra.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Mahmoud Fawzy underscored the Senate's importance as a “second chamber of parliament” and a hub for policy expertise. Speaking after casting his vote, he described citizen participation as a cornerstone for democratic decision-making.
Fawzy said the body plays a pivotal role in shaping policy through parliamentary tools, and that voting is “the primary mechanism through which citizens help shape decision-making.”
Fawzy also praised the growing presence of youth and women in the Senate, calling it a reflection of Egypt’s demographics. He added that women are experiencing a “golden age,” citing President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as a key supporter.
Fawzy’s remarks come weeks after the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 from the World Economic Forum, which ranked Egypt 139th out of 148 countries. In response to the report, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights criticized the government’s claims of progress, citing persistent structural challenges for women.
Lower house Speaker Hanafy Gebaly called for robust voter participation and freedom of expression. While National Front Party Secretary-General El-Sayed El-Quseir described the act of voting as “a dagger in the chest of terrorist groups,” portraying the elections as a symbol of unity and political maturity.
The National List for the Sake of Egypt is contesting the vote unopposed, following criticism of the electoral system that combines closed-list and individual candidate voting formats. Opposition voices have advocated for a proportional representation model or a mixed approach.
Voting took place over the weekend for Egyptians abroad across 136 diplomatic missions. Domestic polling continues through Tuesday.
The Senate comprises 300 members — 200 elected and 100 appointed by the President. Half of the elected seats are contested individually in 27 districts, and the other half are filled through four closed party lists. Women are guaranteed at least 10% of the total seats.
Preliminary results are expected on Aug. 12, with possible runoffs slated for late August. Final results will be announced Sept. 4.
