Egypt puts in place scheme ahead of Senate elections – ministry

Egypt’s Interior Ministry has completed security preparations nationwide ahead of the 2020 Senate elections, a statement by the ministry said on Saturday.

The ministry said security procedures have been put in place to ensure order and to protect citizens as they cast their ballots during the electoral process.

While Egyptian expats will begin voting on Sunday and Monday by mail, the polls inside Egypt will open on 11-12 August.

The security plan involves intensive security deployments at polling stations and the roads leading to them.

The plan also involves tightened security measures at vital facilities and the use of rapid deployment forces made up of trained personnel who can immediately deal with any emergency situations and maintain security and order, the statement said.

The ministry also urges citizens to respect the increased security measures and cooperate with policemen, who are working vigilantly to ensure public safety during the election process, the statement said.

A total of 787 candidates are competing for seats in the new legislative body.

The Senate, whose tenure is set at five years, will have 300 members, one-third of which will be elected via the individual candidacy system, another third through the closed party list system, and the final third to be named by the president.

Senate elections will be followed by elections for the House of Representatives.