The MPs were mostly affiliated with pro-government parties like Mostaqbal Watan (the Nation's Future) and Homat Watan (Protectors of the Nation).

They expressed a desire for El-Sisi to stay to complete his achievements and move the country forward on the road of development, stability, construction, and democracy.

The move came just one day after the National Election Authority (NEA) announced in a press conference on Monday that it would receive requests for presidential candidacy between 5 and 14 October.

Ahmed Manaa, the house's secretary-general, said in a statement that MPs are allowed to endorse a candidate in line with Article 142 of the constitution.

The article stipulates that presidential candidates must secure endorsements from 20 MPs in order to be eligible to run, or from 25,000 registered voters from at least 15 governorates.

Informed sources said President El-Sisi has so far secured endorsements from more than 200 MPs. They also indicated that all MPs from Mostaqbal Watan (316) and Homat Watan (23) are expected to endorse him.

The house's two deputy speakers – businessman Mohamed Abul Enein and Ahmed Saad El-Din – were among those who signed the pro-Sisi endorsements.

President El-Sisi has not officially declared his candidacy, but he is expected to submit his presidential election bid once the door opens on 5 October.

Meanwhile, Mostaqbal Watan and Homat Watan have launched campaigns in support of El-Sisi. Hundreds of citizens in Cairo and different governorates gathered in front of public notary offices to submit forms endorsing El-Sisi.

Other politicians who have declared their intention to run for the presidency said on Wednesday that they will also seek endorsements from MPs.

Abdel-Sanad Yamama, the Wafd party's leader and presidential candidate, said the 25 Wafdist MPs in parliament puts him above the minimum required.

MP Amira Saber, a member of the opposition Egyptian Social Democratic Party, told reporters on Wednesday that it will not be a problem for the party's leader Farid Zahran to obtain endorsements from 20 MPs.

"The Egyptian Social Democratic Party has seven MPs in the House, and we are in contact with several political parties and MPs to secure the required number of endorsements," said Saber.

Senator Hazem Omar, leader and presidential candidate of the People’s Republican Party also said it will not be difficult for him as the party has 50 MPs in the house.

Legislature to reconvene
 

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued two presidential decrees this week inviting the House of Representatives and Senate – Egypt's consultative upper house – to reconvene on 1 and 3 October, respectively.

According to Egypt's constitution, the president must invite the House and Senate to reconvene before the first Thursday of October every year.

The House's opening session will be the start of its fourth legislative season (2023-2024), which will stretch from October to July.

In their first procedural meetings next week, the House and the Senate will hold sessions to allow MPs and members elect chairmen, deputy chairmen, and secretaries of their parliamentary committees.

The House and Senate are expected to adjourn sessions during the month of November in observance of the presidential election campaign which will extend between 9 and 29 November.