Elections in Egypt: The Electoral Framework in Egypt’s Continuing Transition, February 2011 – September 2013

Egypt has been undergoing a tumultuous, uncertain democratic transition for more than two years. Inspired by the events in Tunisia, Egyptians organized and participated in mass protests to oust President Hosni Mubarak. When he stepped down on February 11, 2011, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) occupied the power vacuum to lead the transitional political process and handed over power to an elected president in June 2012.

Since the uprisings, Egypt has held two referendums and three elections. Nevertheless, increasing popular discontent with President Mohamed Morsi and his government culminated in widespread, sustained mass demonstrations in June and July 2013 that led to the appointment of a technocrat interim government.

Elections in Egypt: The Electoral Framework in Egypt’s Continuing Transition, IFES’ latest briefing paper, examines Egypt’s new roadmap toward democracy. The paper analyzes changes to the broader electoral framework in Egypt since early 2011 and looks at present and future challenges for the current transition.