A political party leader has urged President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to use his legislative powers to champion his proposition of cancelling parliamentary immunity starting from the upcoming elections slated for 22 March-7 May.
Ahmed Abul Nazr, chairman of the Nahdet Masr Party, argued in a statement on Thursday that “whoever wants to serve the people of his constituency, defend rights and interpellate the executive authorities, including ministers and governors, is in no need for the parliament’s immunity.”
Abul Nazr stated that finding a legislative tool to lift immunity from members of the House of Representatives requires “transparency and awareness” for its application disregarding personal and private interests.” He contended that if applied, his proposal would curb illegitimate means adopted by some representatives who obtain their parliament seats through illegal means.
He said that Egypt’s parliament had, in the past, suffered from MPs who disrupted the body through scandals they caused while shielded with their immunity.
Based on Article 113 of Egypt’s Constitution, criminal procedures should not be taken against an MP except with a prior permission from the parliament.
Many political movements have called for the immunity to be lifted, citing its misuse by figures of Hosni Mubarak’s regime in obtaining illegitimate gains and creating networks of interests.
