People in Egypt today voted in the second phase of parliamentary elections as authorities annulled first-round results in about two dozen constituencies over alleged violations. The two-stage vote comes as the most populous Arab country grapples with a dire economy despite government efforts to push through sweeping reforms and austerity measures.

 

 

The first stage of voting took place on the 10th and 11th of this month in 14 provinces, including Giza and the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. There were widespread reports of violations, prompting President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to order a review of the incidents.

 

 

The National Elections Authority has scheduled a rerun in 19 constituencies across seven provinces for the 3rd and 4th of December. A total of 568 seats in the lower chamber are up for grabs, with over 2,500 candidates contesting as independents for half the seats.

 

 

The other half is reserved for political parties and the President, while el-Sissi will name 28 members, bringing the total number to 596. More than 34 million people are eligible to vote in the second phase. The new Parliament will be sworn in before the current chamber’s term expires in January.

 

 

Power in Egypt remains strongly concentrated with President el-Sissi, who has led the country for 11 years.