CAIRO: The People’s Assembly (PA) on Sunday gave the final approval for a new law which sets a quota for female representation in parliament, stipulating a minimum of 64 seats.
While the law was rejected by a number of independent and Brotherhood MPs, it was approved by the PA as the majority of its members are affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), which has drafted the law.
The law was approved by the Shoura Council on Saturday. It sets a quota for female representation, adding 32 new electoral constituencies – each to be represented by two MPs – that would only accept the applications of female candidates.
Among the prominent MPs who opposed the law were journalist Moustafa Bakry, an independent, and Mahmoud Abaza, chairman of Al-Wafd opposition party.
MPs who opposed the law said it violated the concepts of citizenship and equality stipulated by the constitution.
The new law is expected to last two successive parliamentary sessions, that is, 10 years, after which it will be rescinded and female candidates will compete against men without special regulations.
