Political System

The Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt, adopted in 1971 and amended in 1980, declares that Egypt is an Arab Republic with a democratic system. The Constitution further outlines Egypt's political system and defines public authorities. Executive authority is vested in the Head of State, the President of the Republic, who is nominated by a two-thirds majority of the People's Assembly, then elected by popular referendum for a six-year term. The President may be re-elected for other subsequent terms. The President formulates and supervises the implementation of general state policy. He also acts as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The current Head of State is Mohamad Hosny Mubarak, who has been re-elected for a fourth six-year term in October 1999.

The government is the supreme executive and administrative organ of the State. It consists of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, who supervises the work of the government. The Parliament may withdraw confidence from the Cabinet or any Cabinet member.

The People's Assembly is the legislative branch of the State. It approves the general policy, new laws, the budget and the development plan. According to the Constitution, the People's Assembly is made up of 444 directly elected members and 10 members appointed by the President, who serve for a term of five years. The Shura Council is Egypt's consultative council. It offers advice and consultation, and proposes new laws and regulations to the People's Assembly.

The judiciary authority is exercised through four categories of courts of justice: the Supreme Constitutional Court, which is the highest judicial body, the Court of Cessation, the seven courts of Appeal in the various Governorates, and the Summary Tribunals in the districts.

The political system is based on a Multi-party system. Law 40 of 1977 regulates the formation of political parties in Egypt. This law prohibits the formation of religious-based political parties. There are currently 17 active political parties representing various stands across the political spectrum. The National Democratic Party currently holds the majority of seats in the People's Assembly.

Administratively, Egypt is divided into 26 Governorates, each headed by a Governor who is appointed by the President. Within their districts, local government units establish and manage all public utilities, provide services, and designate industrial areas. Local Popular Councils are elected bodies that work closely with local government administrative units at various levels.

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