NCHR Enhances Electoral Oversight Integrity by Prohibiting Politically Affiliated Representatives from Monitoring Activities

In a significant move to uphold its mandate as Egypt’s national human rights institution and in strict adherence to the Paris Principles—particularly those pertaining to independence, impartiality, pluralism, and transparency—the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) has adopted a comprehensive set of regulatory measures. These provisions are designed to safeguard the neutrality and integrity of the NCHR’s crucial role in overseeing the upcoming parliamentary elections.

During its 37th session, held on 7 May 2025, the Council approved key decisions aimed at reinforcing its credibility and strengthening its institutional commitment to promoting democratic governance and electoral integrity. These measures underscore the NCHR’s dedication to ensuring the impartiality of its actions and sustaining public confidence in its electoral oversight function.

The adopted provisions include:

Exclusion of Politically Affiliated Members from Electoral Monitoring: Members with declared political affiliations, currently limited to three individuals, are expressly excluded from all forms of electoral monitoring. This prohibition encompasses both direct field observation and participation in the work of the Central Operations Room.

Suspension of Voting Rights in Relevant Discussions: Politically affiliated members are suspended from voting on Council decisions related to electoral matters or any issue where a real or perceived conflict of interest may arise due to their political engagement.

Ambassador Dr. Mahmoud Karem, Acting-President of the NCHR, emphasized that these measures are rooted in the Council’s unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and institutional integrity, in accordance with Egypt’s Constitution and its obligations under international human rights instruments. He underscored the paramount importance of upholding neutrality, transparency, and professionalism in the Council’s electoral oversight role.

Mr. Abdel Gawad Ahmed, Council Member and Supervisor of the Elections Monitoring Central Operations Room, reaffirmed the NCHR’s constitutional and legal mandate to support democratic processes and to promote free and fair elections. He announced that the Council has commenced preparations to monitor the Senate elections scheduled for August 2025, in coordination with the National Election Authority and pursuant to the cooperation protocol concluded between the two institutions.

Mr. Ahmed further noted that the Central Operations Room is convening daily to coordinate monitoring activities. Preparations are currently underway for a high-level coordination meeting with the National Election Authority to finalize modalities of cooperation and to develop robust technical and procedural frameworks in line with national legislation and international norms governing election observation.

Council Member Mr. Mahmoud Bassiouni, also a member of the Central Operations Room, highlighted the Council’s ongoing efforts to build institutional capacity. These efforts include refresher training for accredited election monitors and interactive workshops for journalists and media professionals involved in electoral coverage, aimed at enhancing their understanding of electoral processes and ethical reporting.

Mr. Abdel Gawad reiterated the Council’s full commitment—through its leadership, Secretariat, and members—to upholding the Paris Principles and relevant international standards governing the conduct of election observation. He emphasized that the NCHR will continue to discharge its national mandate with independence and impartiality, thereby contributing significantly to public trust in the electoral process and reinforcing democratic values in Egypt.