Can Egypt's new parliament review 330 laws in 15 days?
According to Egypt's constitution, the country's newly elected parliament — meeting for the first time Jan. 10 — has only 15 days to review over 330 laws issued since the last parliament was dissolved.
CAIRO — Bureaucratic proceedings have been known to induce stupors, but things could get interesting after Egypt’s newly elected MPs take their oath of office Jan. 10.
This will be the first time the country’s legislators have convened in more than two years. The previous parliament was dissolved in July 2013 following the ouster of former President Mohammed Morsi.
After the heat of recent parliamentary elections and controversy over parliament’s formation, it might be engaging to observe the 596 members try to reach consensus on more than 330 laws.
According to Article 156 of the Egyptian Constitution, in the absence of a parliament, the president can issue decrees that have the force of law. However, within 15 days of parliament sessions commencing, the new legislature must discuss and approve these laws.
