Overview This report “Democracy in Egypt: Women’s political participation, the development of political party life and democratic elections” compiles one of the in-country findings of IDEA’s project “Democracy in the Arab world”. The report provides comparative analysis and information on good practice on three interconnected themes: the political participation of women, the development of political parties and electoral system reform.
Executive Summary of the report (English, Arabic)
Political participation of women
In 1983, a Law was issued (Law no. 114) stipulating that there should be a female candidate on each list presented for the 31 districts, which meant that women would inevitably get 31 seats. Law no. 188 of 1986 found this provision to be unconstitutional with regard to the principle of equality between men and women. As a result, in 1987 women won 14 seats, in 1990 seven seats, in 1995 five seats, and in 2000 seven seats.
The reduction in the number of women candidates and in the representation of women was associated by many with the abolishment of the quota system.
Development of political parties
The 1952 Revolution laid the foundations for independent national development, central planning, a leading role for the public sector in development, and an increase in labour’s share of the distribution of gross national product (GNP). This was accompanied by a one-party political system, the banning of political opposition, and the linking of mass organizations to state organs. After the defeat of 1967, there was an increasing move towards independence from the ruling institutions of power, and rising opposition to them. The economy moved towards a free market economy tied to the international capitalist economy and the foundations of the former socio-economic regime were gradually eliminated. The late 1960s and early 1970s saw the emergence of a protest movement calling for freedom and democracy, and the formation of secret political organizations (Arab nationalist and Marxist organizations among them). In 1976, the country’s highest political authority issued a decision allowing a multiparty system.
Electoral system reform
In the period 1984-2005, Egypt has had three different electoral systems. (a) The List PR System – a party centred proportional representation system (the 1984 election), (b) A Parallel System with party lists and 48 single member districts (1987 election), and (c) the candidate centred Two-Round System (the 1990, 1995 and 2000 elections), still in effect today. Each system has had an impact on the country’s entire process of political interaction, the effectiveness of the legislature, the supervisory role of the People’s Assembly, and the relations between different parties and political forces.
The country report is part of the final “Democracy in the Arab World”. See also other publications on the Arab World.
