Comprehensive Guidelines: Sisi Campaign Responds to Questions on Egyptian Diaspora Voting

The campaign released detailed answers on its official Facebook page.

By: Mohamed Zain

Tue, Nov. 14, 2023

In preparation for the Egyptian presidential elections set to commence on December 1, 2023, the campaign of presidential candidate Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has responded comprehensively to inquiries regarding the electoral process for Egyptians residing abroad.

The campaign released detailed answers on its official Facebook page, elucidating the voting procedures within the committees established for Egyptians abroad.

Here are the key points from the campaign's responses:

1.    Working Hours of Electoral Committees Outside Egypt:

o    Electoral committees outside Egypt operate from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time of the hosting country.

2.    Participation of Egyptians Abroad in Presidential Elections:

o    Every Egyptian residing outside Egypt on the day of the presidential elections has the right to cast their vote, as per Article 29 of Law No. 22 of 2014 regulating presidential elections.

3.    Dates of Presidential Elections Outside Egypt:

o    The presidential elections for Egyptians abroad will take place over three days: December 1-3, 2023.
   In case of a runoff, the second round will be held on January 5-7, 2024.

4.    Voting Without National ID Card:

o    If a voter does not possess a national ID card but has a valid passport containing the national ID number, they are eligible to vote.

5.    Expired National ID Card for Voting:

o    While the electoral law does not require a valid national ID card for voting abroad, a valid passport containing the national ID number is a requisite.

6.    Alternative ID for Voter Verification:

o    Voters can present either a national ID card or a valid passport with the national ID number to verify their identity.

7.    Voting in Egypt After Casting Vote Abroad:

   Voters are not allowed to cast their vote more than once, whether inside or outside Egypt.

8.    Repeating Vote in Another Overseas Committee:

o    Similar to voting in Egypt, voters abroad cannot cast their vote more than once.

9.    Necessity of Passport During Voting:

o    Voters can prove their identity using either a national ID card or a valid passport containing the national ID number.

10.    Inquiring About Voting Locations Abroad:

o    The National Election Authority will publish all polling stations for sub-committees abroad along with their addresses to facilitate identification. Voters are advised to scan the QR code for more information.

11.    Voting Procedures Within Committees for Egyptians Abroad:

o    Voters should visit the nearest embassy or consulate.
o    Present the national ID card or a valid passport for identity verification against the voter database.
   Receive a ballot card and proceed to the designated voting area.
o    Mark the chosen candidate, fold the ballot, place it in the ballot box, and sign the voter register to confirm participation.