Egyptian House of Representatives Speaker, Counselor Hisham Badawi, has called for an emergency session to discuss an urgent law proposed by over 60 members of parliament. The session is set to take place on September 30, 2026. According to the parliamentary bylaw, an emergency session can be convened at the request of at least one-tenth of the chamber's members. This development comes as the House of Representatives is scheduled to begin its second ordinary session of the third legislative term on October 1, 2026.
The request for an emergency session was made by more than 60 members of parliament, exceeding the required number of signatures. Although details of the proposed law are scarce, the emergency session is expected to focus on discussing and potentially voting on the urgent legislation. The House of Representatives' general committee will likely play a crucial role in shaping the agenda for the emergency session.
According to the Egyptian Parliament's official schedule, the second ordinary session of the third legislative term is set to commence on October 1, 2026, as per Presidential Decree No. 398 of 2026. The decree, issued by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, called for the House of Representatives to convene for its second ordinary session. However, the emergency session scheduled for September 30, 2026, will precede the start of the regular session.
This is not the first time the Egyptian Parliament has convened an emergency session. Since 2018, there have been at least six emergency sessions held during President el-Sisi's term. These sessions have typically been called to address pressing national issues or discuss urgent legislation. The Parliament's ability to convene emergency sessions is an important aspect of its functioning, allowing it to respond quickly to emerging challenges.
The Egyptian Parliament's emergency sessions are governed by specific rules and procedures. According to the parliamentary bylaw, an emergency session must be convened within 24 hours of receiving a request from the required number of members. The Speaker of the House of Representatives has the authority to set the agenda for emergency sessions, which can include discussion of urgent legislation, approval of government appointments, or consideration of critical national issues.
The upcoming emergency session is expected to draw significant attention from the Egyptian public and media. The Parliament's activities, including emergency sessions, are typically broadcast live on television and streamed online. Members of parliament, government officials, and civil society representatives are likely to attend the session, which will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the proposed legislation.
The outcome of the emergency session remains uncertain, as it will depend on the proposals and discussions that take place during the meeting. If the proposed law is approved, it will likely have significant implications for Egypt's legislative landscape. Conversely, if the law is not passed, it may be referred to a parliamentary committee for further review and discussion.
Key points
- The Egyptian House of Representatives will convene an emergency session on September 30, 2026, to discuss an urgent law proposed by over 60 members of parliament.
