Mubarak announces upper house elections

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced last week that elections for the upper house of parliament are scheduled for June 11, followed by a second round on June 18. The Egyptian Shura Council has 264 seats (2/3 elected; 1/3 appointed), most of which are occupied by the National Democratic Party of President Mubarak.

Despite a constitutional ban on religious-based political activity, the opposition Muslim Brotherhood managed to win 88 seats in 2005.

Although the ability for the Muslim Brotherhood to take part in these elections remains in doubt, a senior Brotherhood leader cites the party’s desire and right to take part in free elections: “We insist on participating and we are ready for any problems or trouble. They cannot simply ban candidates because that would destroy the process," Issam al-Arian said.

Mubarak has been the subject of much criticism concerning political corruption and the level of transparency within Egypt since becoming president in 1981.

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Download the Transparency International corruption report on Egypt here.