Egypt opened candidacy registration for its upcoming Senate elections slated for August, with 27 courts nationwide receiving bids for nominations starting Saturday. The National Elections Authority (NEC) said bids are to be submitted until 18 July. Candidates' application papers should include several documents, including the curriculum vitae, a copy of the criminal record, and the nomination status, be the applicant running as an independent or a member of a party. The documents should also include a financial disclosure statement by the candidate and his family, a military service certificate or an exemption, and a deposit receipt for insurance ranging from EGP 10,000 to EGP 35,000 depending on whether the candidacy is for an individual system or a closed party list system. The announcement comes a few days after the NEA gave the green light to applicants to conduct medical check-ups at health ministry hospitals. Senate elections are set to take place on 11-12 August, with Egyptians abroad scheduled to cast their ballots on 9-10 August. The results of the first round of voting will be announced on 19 August. Second round votes will be on 8-9 September, while the results will be announced on 16 September, the NEA said. The authority also said that health guidelines and physical distancing will be enforced at all polling stations. The Senate will have 300 seats, one third of which will be elected via the individual candidacy system, another third through the closed party list system, and the final third to be named by the president. Senate members' tenure is set at five years. Senate elections will be followed by House of Representatives elections.
