The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms: Promoting Electoral Discipline and Encouraging Participation: A Human Rights Perspective on the Electoral Process

Over the past two days, the National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms has been monitoring the electoral process in several governorates through its field monitoring teams and continuous follow-up reports within the electoral districts. This monitoring aims to provide a professional human rights perspective based on direct observation and an assessment of the organizational environment surrounding the voting process.

The electoral committees witnessed clear order in the procedures for opening the polling stations and receiving voters, with supervisors and members of the electoral committees present at the polling stations. The Association emphasizes the importance of this presence as a guarantee of the electoral process’s adherence to the established legal frameworks. In the electoral districts, the Association observed decisive interventions by the National Elections Authority, in cooperation with various state agencies, to address a number of violations attempted by some candidates’ supporters. These included attempts to offer electoral bribes to influence voters. Violators were pursued and legal action was taken against them in the governorates of Gharbia and Menoufia, and in some areas of Cairo. This included curbing illegal practices and preventing their spread within the voting areas.

The Association also monitored swift interventions to resolve clashes and altercations. Clashes broke out between supporters of some candidates in several districts. The relevant authorities dispersed these gatherings and reorganized the voting areas, referring a number of violators to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for investigation within the framework of applicable legal procedures.

The Association affirms that these instances of decisive intervention represent disciplined legal procedures that lend a significant degree of order and prestige to the electoral process. These are procedures that the Association has repeatedly called for in previous elections. Today, with this clear performance and balanced implementation, the Association hopes that this approach and constructive harmony between the National Elections Authority and the various relevant bodies will continue throughout the remaining stages of the electoral process, given its direct impact on protecting the voting environment and preventing any influence on voters’ choices. The two days witnessed a natural variation in voter turnout rates depending on the nature of each district, with a noticeable increase during the evening hours. The general atmosphere inside the polling stations remained calm and orderly. The Association emphasizes the importance of supporting electoral participation and preparing awareness programs and campaigns to encourage citizens to exercise their constitutional right and their vital role in choosing members of the legislative authority, with the hope of increasing participation rates in the upcoming runoff elections. The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms also calls upon all civil society organizations, political parties, and relevant ministries to To launch effective initiatives and campaigns to encourage voters to participate in the electoral process, thereby strengthening civic awareness and protecting democratic practice.

The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms reaffirms its commitment to continuing professional field monitoring and preparing reports based on international standards to support transparency and enhance citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.