It is the right of all Egyptians abroad to vote in the upcoming elections and depriving them of this right is against the demands of the January 25 Revolution, said former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and likely presidential candidate Abdullah al-Ashaal. The revolution calls for freedom and social justice and not allowing expatriate votes is contrary to the principles of moving Egypt toward democracy – including the right to participate in political life, he added. Al-Ashaal also criticized statements made by the Supreme Committee for Elections that may in fact prevent Egyptians abroad the right to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The statements alluded to technical difficulties that might hinder access to voting, which al-Ashaal called a denial of a constitutional right. Denying Egyptians the right to vote is also a violation of international treaties, he added, underlining that this would prejudice the right of citizenship and equality. Al-Ashaal appealed to expatriate Egyptians and urged them to file lawsuits in Egypt and abroad, particularly in Europe and the United States, where provisions of international law can be adjudicated.
