National Dialogue member discusses respect for varied electoral system opinions

CAIRO - 6 August 2023: Jamal Al-Kashki, a journalist and member of the Board of Trustees of the National Dialogue, weighed in on the proposed three electoral systems by the National Dialogue, poised for presentation to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

During a phone interview with media personality Dr. Mohamed El-Baz on the "End of the Day" program broadcasted by "Al-Nahar" channel, Al-Kashki emphasized that from the inception of discussions around the electoral system within the National Dialogue, there has been profound respect and appreciation for all opinions expressed during the general session debates.

Elaborating on the session details, Al-Kashki mentioned that participants often referenced the constitution, especially on disagreements regarding the first proposed system: a closed absolute list in four constituencies. As discussions progressed, other suggestions emerged, with some leaning towards a 15-constituency system with proportional lists, while another perspective called for the election of 50 percent of members through an individual system; 25 percent through an absolute list system, and the remaining 25 percent through a proportional list system.

Al-Kashki further highlighted that the drafting committee of the National Dialogue takes into account all political representations, pointing out that this is a legislative matter. Therefore, President El-Sisi will refer it to the House of Representatives.