Prime Minister Essam Sharaf held a meeting Saturday to discuss issues pertaining to the upcoming parliamentary elections. Attendees included the ministers of interior, justice and information as well as Deputy Prime Minister Ali al-Selmy.
A cabinet source said the ministers discussed issuing a new law to allow Egyptian expatriates to participate in the upcoming elections, as well as the implications of a court ruling that has banned former National Democratic Party members from the elections, and how it might effect the course of the elections.
Justice Minister Abdel Aziz al-Gendy proposed the draft law that will allow expatriates to vote, the source said, adding that it will be discussed in detail during this week's cabinet meeting.
Interior Minister Mansour al-Essawy presented a report on the security measures planned for the elections, especially in Damietta, as demonstrations there against the expansion of a nitrogen fertilizer factory escalated.
