Shura reverses placement of women at top of party lists, Egypt

Shura Council members voted down legislation requiring political parties to display female candidates at the top of party lists. The Legislative and Constitutional Affairs Committee of the upper house of parliament debated on Tuesday the House of Representatives elections bill. The government-sponsored bill initially required parties to field at least one female candidate in the top half of their lists. Secular party representatives on the committee suggested narrowing it down to the top third but Salafi Al-Nour Party members argued against the suggestion. Instead, committee members voted to cancel the provision altogether. The amended bill now only requires parties to run at least one female candidate on their lists without specifying their placement on party lists.

(We invite our users to read the complete article published April 2 2013)