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ET AUSTRALE
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Press Release
Date: 25/10/2015
COMESA ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION TO THE
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION IN THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF
EGYPT
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
Following the invitation by the Government of the Arab Republic
of Egypt, COMESA deployed a short-term Election Observer
Mission to observe the first phase of the parliamentary elections
that were held on 18th and 19th October 2015.
The COMESA observers arrived in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday 13th
October 2015. The COMESA observers (50 in Number from 14
out of the 19 Member States) were trained on the election
instruments, principles, values and methodology before being
deployed to observe the election in six (6) governorates namely:
Alexandria, Baheria, Minya, Fayoum, Giza and Benisuef
representing 54 constituencies out of 103. In total, COMESA
observed elections in more than 250 polling stations.
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The COMESA partnered with Global Network for Rights and
Development (GNRD), International Institute for Peace, Justice
and Human Rights (IIPJHR) and a national NGO, Maat for Peace,
Development and Human Rights (MPDH) with the primary
objective of increasing the scope of geographical coverage,
balance and objectivity.
This statement, therefore, contains preliminary findings made by
the COMESA Observer Mission based on observations,
interactions with electoral stakeholders, including the Higher
Electoral Committee (HEC), government officials, eminent
persons, leaders of political parties, COMESA ambassadors
accredited to Egypt and the AU observer mission.
The statement limits itself to the polling, and the immediate postpolling periods. COMESA will continue observing the re-run
scheduled for the 27th -28th October 2015 and a more
comprehensive report will be shared with the Government of the
Republic of Egypt after a period of 90 days.
COMESA underscores the significance of the 2015 parliamentary
elections as stipulated in the Constitution, Law on the Exercise of
Political Rights (Law No. 45 of 2014) and the House of
Representatives Law (Law No. 46 of 2014). COMESA
acknowledges that these parliamentary elections were crucial in
progressing the democratic transition in Egypt as envisioned in
the political roadmap crafted in 2013 which included the
enactment of a new Constitution, and the holding of presidential
elections.
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Preliminary Findings
COMESA observed that more than 90% of the polling stations
visited complied with the opening instructions and procedures.
COMESA notes that most of the polling stations were strategically
located, clearly demarcated and with well-labeled instruction
signs. This facilitated easy access of the polling stations.
Polling materials were also adequately provided. COMESA notes
that the voting environment in most polling stations was calm,
peaceful and orderly, with polling officials displaying
professionalism and knowledge of the election process.
The observers witnessed deployment of security personnel in all
the polling stations visited to safeguard the voters, polling stations
and materials. Most voters expressed satisfaction with the
security provided by the government during the voting period.
The observation mission notes that the polling arrangements were
conducive for the smooth conduct of the voting process. The use
of technology in some polling station is commendable as it
enhanced the integrity of the voting process. Voters with special
needs (elderly, disabled and illiterate) were adequately assisted.
However, in some instances this process could have
compromised the secrecy of the vote.
Representatives of the candidates and international and local
observers were visible in the polling stations visited. However,
there were cases of COMESA observers being restricted access
in some polling stations. Campaign materials such as banners,
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fliers were displayed around a number of polling stations. In most
polling stations visited, it was not easy for COMESA observers to
identify the polling officials.
COMESA notes with concern the low voter turnout (25 percent)
observed, this, notwithstanding the government initiative to
declare a half working day in the second day of voting. In
particular, youth turnout was low in the polling stations observed.
According to the stakeholders the observer mission interacted
with, the low voter turnout can be attributed to, among others:
 Low level of awareness on the elections among the
population;
 Scheduling of the election on working days;
 General voter apathy particularly among the youth.
COMESA notes that the overall voting process was calm and the
counting was conducted in a transparent and orderly manner.
Overall Assessment and Conclusions
Based on preliminary findings, COMESA expresses its
satisfaction with the conduct of the first phase of parliamentary
election. The electoral process was peaceful, transparent and
credible.
The election met the standards set out in the national constitution
and supportive legal frameworks. The election provided a
democratic opportunity for the people of Egypt to express their
sovereign right to vote.
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Recommendations
COMESA Electoral Observer Mission recommends the following:
 Civic and voter education should be enhanced by
stakeholders to encourage people to participate in the
election processes;
 There is need to engage the youth in various political
programmes and activities that are designed to
enhance their effective participation in consolidating
democratic processes;
 Political parties and candidates should be sensitized on
the importance of ensuring that they have
representation
in
all
polling
stations
from
commencement of voting up to the end of counting
votes.
 The use of technology to verify voters piloted in some
polling stations is commendable. COMESA, therefore,
encourages its use in all polling stations;
 There is need for all polling officials to have visible
identification;
 There is need for increased deployment of women in
the management of elections
 Commends the people of Egypt for conducting peaceful
parliamentary elections and calls upon the them to
continue exercising tolerance, patience, and to remain
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calm and continue being peaceful as the country
prepares for phase two of parliamentary election.
Acknowledgements
COMESA wishes to extend its gratitude to the
Arab Republic of Egypt for inviting COMESA
election. COMESA further commends the
Committee (HEC) for the professionalism in
elections.
Government of
to observe the
High Electoral
conducting the
COMESA extends its appreciation to the Global Network for
Rights and Development (GNRD), International Institute for
Peace, Justice and Human Rights (IIPJHR) and Maat for Peace,
Development and Human Rights (MPDH) for their collaboration
and partnership.
COMESA further extends its appreciation to the AU Observer
Mission and COMESA Ambassadors accredited to the Arab
Republic of Egypt for their productive engagement with the
Mission.
Honourable Felix Mutati, MP, COMESA Elder,
Head of COMESA Election Observation Mission to the Arab
Republic of Egypt’s 2015 Parliamentary Elections.
Cairo, Egypt 25th October, 2015.
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