Type: Republic (declared June 18, 1953) Capital: Cairo Administrative Divisions: 28 Governorates Al Bahr al Ahmar (Red Sea), Alexandria, Al Wadi Al Gadid, Aswan, Asyut, Beheira, Beni Sweif, Cairo, Dakahliya, Demiatta, Fayoum, Gharbeya, Giza, Ismailiya, Helwan, Kafr El Sheikh, Minuffiyah, Minya, Matrouh, North Sinai, Port Saaid, Qalyubiah, Qina, Sharqiya, Six of October, Suez, Sohag and South Sinai. Legal System: Egypt has a bicameral legislature, made up of the elected Peopleʹs Assembly (Maglis al Shaab) and the Advisory Council (Maglis al Shoura). The Advisory Council is a consultative organ, whereas the Peopleʹs Assembly functions as the main representative law‐making body. The last People’s Assembly elections were held in November 2005 for a five‐year term. The Peopleʹs assembly has a total of 454 seats of which 444 are filled by popular vote, and the remaining ten are appointed by the president. Judicial System: The Egyptian judicial code combines elements from the Napoleonic Code, English Common Law and Islamic Law. The Supreme Constitutional Court tops the judicial hierarchy that branches down into the court of appeals and primary and summary tribunals throughout the 28 governorates. Christians and Jews are subject to their own jurisprudence in personal status affairs. The distinction between civil and criminal courts exists in Egypt. Political System: Under the 1971 constitution, amended in 1980, Egypt is an Arab Republic with a socialist‐democratic system. The constitution states that there should be no discrimination on the grounds of race or religion. The country is divided into 28 governorates, with governors appointed by the president. There is universal suffrage with a voting age of 18. The executive power rests with the president. The president may take emergency measures, but these must be approved by a referendum within 60 days; he may also dissolve the Peopleʹs Assembly (the legislative body) prematurely, but a referendum, and elections, must be held within 60 days. In February 2005, Article 76 of the constitution was amended to allow for multi‐candidate presidential elections.
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