The Egyptian prime minister’s advisor Refaat Qomsan announced on Wednesday that 81 domestic and six international NGOs will be allowed to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections being held between 17 October and 2 December over two stages.
Ten of Egypt’s ministers will be participating in the preparation and elections processes, among other tasks, Refaat said according to Al-Ahram Arabic news website.
The interior ministry will be responsible for securing polling stations and voters, while the the defense ministry will be in charge of securing the judges and transporting them to their polling stations.
Other ministries that will play a role in the elections include the foreign ministry, justice ministry, the local and administrative development ministry, the education ministry and the planning ministry.
Refaat also said that 17,465 members of domestic NGOs received observation permits, along with a further 717 members from international NGOs.
A total of 5,941 individuals have applied to run in the elections and 14 electoral coalitions are fielding candidates aiming to run in the lists.
The first round of the long-delayed parliamentary elections will be held on 17 to 28 October across the following 14 governorates: Giza, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, Aswan, New Valley, Red Sea, Beheira, Alexandria and Marsa Matruh.
