Parliament’s legislative eyes comments on constitutional amendments

CAIRO – 1 April 2019: The Egyptian parliament's legislative and constitutional affairs committee held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the suggestions made by members of parliament and national dialogue on amendments to the 2014 constitution.

The committee undersecretary Ahmed Helmi, told Egypt Today that the committee started Sunday the deliberations expected to last for a week on suggestions made by the national dialogue that continued for two weeks on the amendments. The national dialogue- held in Egypt’s parliament- included public figures, representatives of the business sector, NGOs, Judiciary, political parties, and trade unions to give their opinions and comments on the proposed amendments.

The committee would study proposals put forward by 155 members of parliament on constitutional amendments, to be discussed later by the parliament.

The head of the committee, Bahaaeddin Abu Shokka, said in press statement that those who are against the expected amendments are considered patriots and same those who are in favor, adding that a subcommittee is tasked to study the above-mentioned proposals before being discussed by the parliament.

“Each constitutional article targeted by the proposed amendments will be discussed by the members of the committee,” said Abu Shokka, adding that the final report would be available for all the members of the parliament to comment on.

The proposed amendments extend the presidential term from 4 years to 6 years, increase the women’s participation in the parliament and amend regulations governing the judiciary.