Egypt’s National Elections Authority threatens legal action against slander

CAIRO - 28 September 2023: The National Elections Authority (NEA) released a Thursday statement on allegations that it is not facilitating the process of collecting notarized endorsements for presidential candidates.

Below is a summary of the statement.

First: The National Elections Authority is closely following everything related to the enforcement of its decrees, which were issued in agreement with the provisions of the Constitution, relevant laws, and international standards. 

This ensures equal opportunities and equality among all those who will apply to run in the electoral competition.

Second: The National Elections Authority confirms that no violations, favoritism, or harassment of anyone have ever occurred by the authorities charged with enforcing the NEA’s decrees.

This includes the notarization offices affiliated with the Real Estate Registry and Notarization Authority, which are charged with issuing endorsements. 

Everything that was raised in this regard - which was subject to follow-up and investigation by the National Elections Authority - is nothing more than false allegations.

Third: The National Elections Authority refuses to be involved in any political disputes. It will not allow the figments of the imagination of some people to be attributed to it, nor will it accept insult. Such unruly actions will not be tolerated and legal measures will be taken decisively and swiftly.

Fourth: The National Elections Authority will not accept that it be addressed in statements in an offensive manner, or that its work be questioned, or that it be placed in a specific camp.

All of which aim to undermine popular confidence in its independence. No party has the right to interfere in their work in any way.

Fifth: Anyone is welcome to submit any facts supported by conclusive evidence to NEA indicating that there have been errors or violations of its decrees. 

It will then verify the reports and take immediate measures to correct these errors. In addition to the legal aspect related to punishing wrongdoers, it simultaneously not accept being used to distort others through false allegations or fabricated news, and will take decisive legal measures against such crimes.

Sixth: The National Elections Authority calls on everyone to exercise a spirit of national responsibility, and to care for the country’s interest and stability. It demands that they exercise their constitutional and legal rights, and not fall into the cycle of doubt, insult, and slander and instead to contribute to the success of the elections.