National Dialogue trustees to address political, economic challenges on Saturday

Ahram Online , Monday 1 Jul 2024

The General Coordinator of Egypt's National Dialogue Diaa Rashwan announced on Sunday that the Board of Trustees will review progress made by the state in implementing recommendations from previous dialogue sessions in their upcoming meeting on Saturday in preparation for a new round of dialogue.

General Coordinator of Egypt's National Dialogue Diaa Rashwan
General Coordinator of Egypt's National Dialogue Diaa Rashwan

 

In a statement, Rashwan explained that the meeting would be held after the new cabinet is announced and takes the constitutional oath before President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

The trustee board hopes the new government will meet the Egyptian people's expectations and address their challenges with comprehensive and equitable solutions.

Election laws
 

The meeting's agenda includes discussions on new election laws for the House of Representatives and the Senate, scheduled for 2025.

It also includes discussions on new legislation for municipalities' elections.

Additionally, the meeting will discuss proposals for extending judicial oversight to all elections.

Economy and human rights
 

It will urge the new government to implement the previous National Dialogue's economic recommendations on addressing inflation and high prices.

Moreover, they will discuss proposals for establishing an anti-discrimination commission as mandated by constitutional obligations and human rights principles.

Rashwan noted that the trustees board will discuss implementing plans devised by the outgoing cabinet.

Furthermore, the board will discuss challenges facing professional unions; amending pretrial detention legislation; regulating political parties; bolstering freedom of expression and creativity; and supporting youth and sports clubs.

In addition, it will develop a framework for discussing national security and foreign policy issues, guided by El-Sisi's directives.

Rashwan added that the board will urgently pursue its previous decision to petition the public prosecutor for the release of youth who were detained after demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinian cause at sports events.

The trustees board also greeted the Egyptian people on the 11th anniversary of the 30 June 2013 Revolution.

The National Dialogue was launched in May 2023 upon a call from President El-Sisi to address Egypt's diverse political, economic, and social issues.

In August 2023, the first round of discussions concluded with recommendations delivered to El-Sisi, who asked the House of Representatives to discuss legislation amendment.

In January 2024, President El-Sisi called for launching a second round of the National Dialogue to tackle economic challenges.   

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