The Egyptian political system
Egypt is a democratic republic based on citizenship and the rule of law, and it contributes to building human civilisation. As the Constitution states, the political system rests on political and party pluralism, the separation of powers, and respect for human rights and freedoms.
Egypt is part of the Islamic world and the Arab nation. It belongs to the African continent and has an Asian dimension through Sinai.
The presidential election system and the Cabinet
The President of the Republic is head of state and head of the executive. He is elected every four years through a peaceful transfer of power and carries out his duties as the Constitution prescribes.
Retired Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was elected president in May 2014 and re-elected for another four-year term in March 2018.
The President appoints a Prime Minister to form the Cabinet, and the Prime Minister presents his programme to the House of Representatives within 30 days. The Cabinet is made up of the Prime Minister, his deputies and the ministers, and it is the highest executive and administrative body of the state.
The Egyptian Parliament
The House of Representatives has at least 450 members, elected by direct secret ballot. It holds legislative power and approves the general policy of the state and the public plan for economic and social development.
The Egyptian Constitution
After the Revolution of 25 January and the resignation of President Mubarak, Egypt went through several constitutional declarations and reforms. The 1971 constitution was abolished, supplementary articles were approved by referendum on 19 March 2011, a new constitution was declared in 2012, and 33 new constitutional articles were announced in July 2013. Finally, a 50-member panel drafted a new permanent constitution, which 98.1% of voters approved in a referendum on 14–15 January 2014.
The Egyptian judicial system
Under the Constitution, the judiciary is independent and is vested in the courts of justice of various kinds and levels. The judicial bodies are the Public Prosecution, the State Council and the Supreme Constitutional Court, and the State Lawsuits Authority and the Administrative Prosecution are also counted as judicial bodies.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of political system does Egypt have?
Egypt is a republic based on citizenship and the rule of law, with a President, a Cabinet and an elected House of Representatives.
Who heads the government?
The President is head of state and of the executive, and appoints a Prime Minister to form the Cabinet.
When was the current constitution approved?
The constitution was approved by referendum in January 2014.
Which bodies make up the judiciary?
The courts of justice, the Public Prosecution, the State Council and the Supreme Constitutional Court, with the State Lawsuits Authority and Administrative Prosecution also counted as judicial bodies.
