Begins the voting process for Egyptian expats in the 2025 Senate elections
In a significant democratic milestone, Egyptians living abroad began casting their votes in the 2025 Senate elections on August 1st. The voting process, scheduled to continue for two days, is taking place at 136 polling stations located in Egyptian embassies and consulates across 117 countries.
The Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait, one of the many diplomatic missions participating in this democratic process, started the voting at 9 a.m. local time. Ambassador Osama Shaltout, who also heads the electoral committee in Kuwait, oversaw the launch of the voting and encouraged Egyptians residing in Kuwait to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
To ensure a smooth and accessible voting process, the embassy had made all necessary preparations in coordination with Kuwaiti authorities. Free shuttle buses have been arranged to transport voters between Green Island and the embassy, operating on a continuous loop throughout the voting days, starting at 8:45 a.m. Kuwait time.
Voters are required to present a valid national ID card or electronic passport bearing their national number to verify eligibility. Special provisions have been made to ensure an inclusive process for people with disabilities and fully veiled women. After voting, ballots are counted at each overseas station, with results and records sent via diplomatic channels to Egyptian authorities for final compilation.
The Senate, Egypt's upper house of parliament, consists of 300 members. One-third are elected by individual candidacy, one-third via closed party lists, and one-third are appointed by the president. Women must hold at least 10% of the seats, and senators serve five-year terms. The Senate acts as a consultative body, while legislative authority lies with the House of Representatives.
While specific candidate names and party lists for the expatriate vote were not detailed in the available information, Ambassador Shaltout expressed confidence in a strong turnout over the two voting days and promoted awareness about the elections through the embassy's platforms and technical offices.
The voting process for Egyptians living abroad will continue through Friday and Saturday (August 1-2, 2025). The National Elections Authority of Egypt designated August 1 and 2 for overseas voting. Members of the Egyptian community in Kuwait gathered outside the embassy before the start of voting, eager to exercise their democratic right.
The voting process is being closely monitored by the National Elections Authority, with a central operations room ensuring transparency and smooth conduct in real time. Domestic voting within Egypt is scheduled for August 4 and 5.
Amidst the general news and war-and-conflicts that dominate global headlines, Egypt's initiatives to facilitate migration of its citizens abroad for voting in the 2025 Senate elections have sparked political discussion. Notably, the Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait made arrangements, ensuring an inclusive and accessible voting process for people with disabilities and veiled women. This democratic milestone, pushed through despite the challenges, marks a significant step towards exercising the voting rights of Egyptian citizens living abroad.
