Ballot counting began on Tuesday after Egypt concluded its two-day Senate elections, with most polling stations closing as scheduled at 9 pm local time.
A few stations remained open to allow voters still inside to cast their ballots, the National Election Authority (NEA) said. Counting at those locations began once voting finished.
The voting process, which took place on 4-5 August across 8,286 polling stations nationwide, was held under full judicial supervision and amid tight security measures.
A total of 9,500 judges from the State Lawsuits Authority and the Administrative Prosecution Authority oversaw the Senate elections, supervising subcommittees nationwide.
Notably, 2,500 of these judges were women, marking a significant milestone for female representation in judicial electoral oversight.
According to the NEA, approximately 68 million Egyptians were eligible to vote.
On 1-2 August, Egyptians abroad concluded their voting in the 2025 Senate elections across 136 polling stations at Egyptian embassies and consulates in 117 countries.
According to the NEA’s official timeline, results from the first round will be announced on 12 August.
If a candidate or list fails to secure an absolute majority in their respective constituency, a runoff will be held between the top two contenders.
A unique provision applies to single-candidate lists, such as the National Unified List in this election, which must secure at least five percent of registered votes to be declared the winner
Appeals against the NEA’s announcement must be submitted within 48 hours, with the final deadline being 14 August.
The Supreme Administrative Court will rule on any appeals between 15-24 August, with the electoral silence period for the runoff beginning on 24 August.
Runoff voting for Egyptians abroad will take place on 25-26 August, followed by domestic runoff voting on 27-28 August. Final runoff results will be announced on 4 September.
According to the NEA, 428 candidates are competing for individual seats in the 2025 Senate elections, including 186 independents and 242 affiliated with political parties.
The Senate, Egypt’s upper chamber of parliament, serves in a consultative capacity, with legislative authority residing in the House of Representatives.
The 300-member Senate is composed of three equal parts: one-third elected via individual candidacy, one-third through closed party lists, and one-third appointed by the president.
Women must hold at least 10 percent of the seats. Members serve five-year terms.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
