Ahmed Saadeddin, secretary general of Egypt's parliament, announced Thursday that the House of Representatives will hold an extraordinary meeting Saturday to discuss President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's decree No. 208/2019, aimed at extending the state of emergency for a new period of three months, starting 1am 25 April and ending 12pm 24 July. Sources said Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly is expected to address parliament on the reasons that justify the new extension. Parliament is scheduled to hold its ordinary meetings 12 May. According to parliament's internal bylaws (Article 131), the House must be informed by the prime minister within one week of the date of declaring a state of emergency, and the decree must be corroborated with reasons that justify the new extension. Following Madbouly's statement, the House's general committee will meet to discuss the decree, the reasons behind the new extension, and prepare a report that will then be voted on. Upon hearing his or her name, MP will vote in a roll call. Article 2 of the decree states that the armed forces and police will take charge of implementing the new extension, take all measures necessary to defend the country against the dangers of terrorism and its funding, preserve security throughout the country, safeguard private and public property and the lives of citizens.
