Egypt's House of Representatives is set to convene an extraordinary session on Wednesday at 11 am, following a call by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. According to a House statement, the session will take place a day before the House is due to open its second ordinary session of the third legislative term on Thursday, 1 October. The presidential decision was issued on Tuesday, and members have been notified to attend on time.
The extraordinary session was called under Article 116 of the constitution, which allows the House to convene to consider an urgent matter at the request of the president or of at least one-tenth of its members. The House had earlier been scheduled to open its new ordinary session on Thursday, 1 October, as per a decree issued by the president. The constitution requires the president to invite the House to its annual ordinary session before the first Thursday of October.
The ordinary session of the House of Representatives is set to last at least nine months. The House will review and discuss various matters, including the recently returned Draft Criminal Law. The National Committee for Human Rights (NCHR) has welcomed the return of the Draft Criminal Law to parliament and is preparing recommendations. The Legislative Affairs Committee has also been notified to attend the extraordinary session.
The president's decision to call an extraordinary session has been attributed to the need to address urgent matters. However, the specific agenda for the session has not been disclosed. Members of the House have been urged to attend on time and participate in the proceedings. The House of Representatives plays a crucial role in Egypt's legislative process, and its sessions are closely watched by the public and the media.
The Egyptian parliament has been actively engaged in reviewing and endorsing various laws and amendments. Recently, President El-Sisi approved a new Criminal Procedure Law after parliament's endorsement of amendments. The law aims to improve the country's judicial system and ensure that justice is served. The House of Representatives will continue to play a key role in shaping Egypt's legislative landscape.
In addition to its legislative work, the House of Representatives is also involved in various activities and events. Egypt is set to host the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum on 2-4 October, which is expected to attract around 1,500 participants. The forum aims to promote African cooperation and discuss various challenges facing the continent. The House of Representatives will likely play a role in promoting Egypt's interests and engaging with international partners.
The extraordinary session of the House of Representatives is a significant event in Egypt's political calendar. The session will provide an opportunity for members to discuss urgent matters and address key challenges facing the country. As Egypt continues to navigate its economic and regional challenges, the House of Representatives will play a crucial role in shaping the country's future.
Key points
- President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has called the House of Representatives to an extraordinary session on Wednesday to consider urgent matters.