Egyptians Abroad Begin Voting in 2025 Senate Elections as Participation Becomes a National Duty”

Cairo - 31 July 2025: In just a few hours, the 2025 Egyptian Senate elections will commence, starting with Egyptians living abroad who will cast their votes on Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2, according to each country’s local time. Voting inside Egypt will take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 4 and 5.

The participation of Egyptians in constitutional elections, including the Senate elections, is not just a right but a national duty and a constitutional commitment. Article 87 of Egypt’s 2014 Constitution emphasizes that “Participation of citizens in public life is a national duty.” It affirms that every citizen has the right to vote, run for office, and express opinions in referendums, with the law regulating these rights. Citizens are automatically registered in the voter database once they meet the eligibility criteria.

The use of public funds, government facilities, places of worship, and state-owned institutions in political campaigns is strictly prohibited.

Law No. 45 of 2014, amended by Law No. 140 of 2020, outlines the process for Egyptians voting abroad. Article 50 allows any Egyptian living overseas, who is registered in the voter database and holds a valid national ID or passport, to vote at Egyptian embassies or consulates. The National Election Authority (NEA), in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, determines the locations and logistics of overseas polling stations.

Voting abroad begins before the election dates inside Egypt, running from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time in each country. Ballot boxes are securely sealed at the end of each day, and votes are counted and documented in detailed reports signed by committee officials.

Article 57 of the same law stipulates that any eligible voter who fails to vote without a valid excuse—such as illness, mental incapacity, or being in a remote location like the sea or desert—may face a fine not exceeding 500 EGP.

The NEA earlier announced the election timeline:

Candidate registration: July 5–10 Preliminary candidate list announcement: July 11 Appeals reviewed: July 14–16 Overseas voting: August 1–2 Domestic voting: August 4–5 Results announcement: August 12 in the Official Gazette Runoff voting (if needed):
Overseas: August 25–26 Inside Egypt: August 27–28 Final results: September 4

Egyptians abroad are encouraged to fulfill their national responsibility by heading to the polls and making their voices heard.