Clashes erupt on first day of electoral candidate registration

The High Elections Commission opened registration on Sunday for candidacy in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The first phase for Egyptians to vote overseas is scheduled for March 21 and 22 and at home on March 22 and 23. The second phase is planned for April.

Two electoral lists covering two constituencies include 15 candidates each, made up of: three Christians, two representatives of workers and farmers, two young people, one special needs candidate and a representative of Egyptians overseas. These lists have to include at least seven female candidates.

Two other electoral lists include 45 candidates each, comprised of: nine Christian citizens, six workers and farmers, six youth representatives, three candidates representing Egyptians with special needs and three representing Egyptians overseas. These lists have to include at least 21 female candidates.

According to the High Elections Commission, candidates are expected to turn in a written application to the commission's headquarters in the governorate in which they are running.

The commission established four courthouses to receive applications in south Cairo, Giza, Zagazig and Alexandria, where long queues formed on Sunday, according to the privately owned Youm7 newspaper. Head of the Lawyers Syndicate Sameh Ashour was among the candidates running for the constituency of Moqattam.

Former Parliamentary Member Ragab Helal Hemeida is also running again, as well as businessmen and former MP Ahmed Ezz and former MP Hesham Khalil, who is running independently for the constituency of Bulaq. 

According to Youm7, clashes took place on the first day between candidates and their followers. In Sohag, security forces were sent to disperse angry crowds and enforce regulations for registration.

In Kafr al-Sheikh, Nour Party candidates slept outside the courthouse, so they would be first in line to turn in their applications, while in Gharbiya, candidates clashed with the police and broke into the head of Tanta Preliminary Court Hossam Tartir’s office to demand priority for registration.