Egyptians living abroad cast their final votes on Saturday in the 2025 Senate elections, marking the second and final day of overseas polling. Due to time zone differences, the Egyptian Embassy in New Zealand was the first to close its polls, while the last polling station—located in Los Angeles—concluded voting later in the day.
The two-day overseas voting process, which began Friday, was conducted across 136 polling stations housed within Egyptian embassies and consulates in 117 countries.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty inaugurated the voting process abroad by casting his ballot at the Egyptian embassy in Washington, D.C., early Friday.
Later that day, officials from the National Election Authority (NEA) held video calls with several Egyptian ambassadors and consuls worldwide.
Many reported a strong turnout and high enthusiasm among expatriate voters.
In the lead-up to the vote, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held preparatory meetings with NEA officials and heads of Egyptian diplomatic missions to coordinate logistics and ensure smooth operations. Discussions focused on streamlining procedures and making polling stations easily accessible to Egyptian citizens abroad.
A central operations room was established to monitor the vote continuously, respond to logistical challenges, and maintain oversight of the electoral process.
Domestically, voting is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday (4–5 August), according to the NEA’s official timeline. Results from the first round are expected to be announced on 12 August. If no clear outcome emerges, a runoff will be held both inside and outside Egypt.
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
