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100 days on, Egypt’s parliament has seen few achievements, much controversy

In the first 100 days of parliament, intense battles have raged between its members, resulting in the resignation of one parliamentarian, the suspension of another and several threats of resignation.
Tawfik Okasha (R), looks onvote to choose the head of the Egypt's Parliament late in Sunday's procedural and opening session at the main headquarters of Parliament in Cairo, Egypt, January 10, 2016. Meeting for the first time in more than three years, Egypt's new parliament on Sunday elected a constitutional expert as its speaker, a key position as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi looks to push through more than 200 laws issued by executive decree while the assembly was suspended. REUTERS/Stringer - RTX21RGV
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April 19 marked the 100th day of the first session held by Egypt’s new parliament on Jan. 10. During this period, the legislature’s sessions were marked by battles, challenges and various crises involving members of parliament. The first crisis came on day 1, when inappropriate behavior by some of the parliamentarians was broadcast on live TV. This caused a wave of criticism and mockery on social networking sites, prompting the speaker of parliament, Ali Abdel Aal, who was elected by a majority of parliamentarians, with 380 votes, to issue a decision to stop live coverage of parliamentary sessions.

The most prominent challenge facing the parliament in its first session was the impasse posed by Article 156 of the Egyptian Constitution. The article notes that when “an event that requires taking urgent measures, which cannot be delayed,” occurs while the parliament is not in session, the president will call for an urgent session to discuss the matter. However, according to the same article, if a parliament has not been elected, the president has the authority to issue decrees that enter into force of law, but these decrees must be debated and approved by parliament within 15 days once a legislature is elected.

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