Egypt's Senate, led by Counselor Essam El-Din Fares, is set to reconstitute its Committee on Values at the start of the second legislative session of the second legislative term. The committee's reformation is scheduled to coincide with the commencement of general sessions in the new capital. According to the Senate's internal regulations, the Committee on Values is tasked with examining alleged violations by members that contravene Egypt's social, moral, or religious values.
The Committee on Values' jurisdiction includes looking into breaches of the Egyptian society's fundamental principles, whether political or economic, as well as failures to meet membership obligations, as per the constitution, laws, or the Senate's internal regulations. Article 31 of the Senate's internal regulations delineates the committee's responsibilities. This move aims to ensure that Senate members adhere to a code of conduct that aligns with Egypt's societal values.
The internal regulations also outline the procedures for referring a member to the Committee on Values. According to Article 32, a member can be referred to the committee via a decision by the Senate's office if there is a perceived justification, following a hearing of the member's statements. Article 33 states that the committee must notify the concerned member in writing to appear before it within a specified timeframe, with a minimum notice period of seven days.
If a member fails to appear without a valid excuse, the committee will reissue the notification. Should the member fail to appear again without a valid reason, the committee will proceed with its procedures. The committee's chair must inform the member of the allegations against them during the first meeting they attend. The member has the right to express their defense, and they may choose a fellow Senate member to assist in presenting their case.
The reconstitution of the Committee on Values follows the recent election of the specialized committees' office holders in the Senate. The committee's chair is typically the head of the Legislative and Constitutional Affairs Committee, as stated in the Senate's internal regulations. This linkage ensures that the Committee on Values operates under a clear leadership structure.
According to Article 30 of the Senate's internal regulations, the Committee on Values is formed by a Senate decision at the beginning of each annual ordinary session, based on the General Committee's nomination. The committee consists of 15 members, with at least half not affiliated with the party holding the majority of seats in the Senate. The committee elects two deputies and a secretary in its first meeting.
The Committee on Values' decisions are made by a majority of the members present, provided that the meeting is attended by a quorum, including the chair or one of the deputies. With the Senate's decision to reconstitute the Committee on Values, members are expected to adhere to a stricter code of conduct that reflects Egypt's societal values and principles. This move is anticipated to enhance the Senate's credibility and effectiveness.
Key points
- The Committee on Values will examine alleged violations by Senate members that contravene Egypt's social, moral, or religious values.
- The committee's reformation is scheduled to coincide with the commencement of general sessions in the new capital.
- The committee's decisions are made by a majority of the members present, provided that the meeting is attended by a quorum.
