The Egyptian Senate: A Longstanding Journey of Parliamentary Representation
The Egyptian Senate, with its rich history, stands as a living testament to the evolution of parliamentary life in Egypt and the Arab world. Since Mohamed Ali Pasha laid the foundation for the first representative council in 1824, the features of democracy have gradually taken shape through key constitutional milestones, culminating in the official return of the Senate in 2020 after a seven-year hiatus.
The journey began in 1824, when Mohamed Ali established the “High Council,” composed of 24 members including senior officials, scholars, merchants, and local dignitaries—marking the first attempt to establish the principle of popular representation. The following year, a basic statute was issued to define the council's responsibilities, laying the groundwork for institutional parliamentary work.
In 1829, Mohamed Ali founded the “Consultative Council,” with 156 members, including 99 elected representatives from across Egypt. Although its authority was limited to educational and administrative matters, it represented a qualitative leap in involving citizens in state affairs.
Under the rule of Khedive Ismail, the “House of Representatives” was established as the first parliament with actual legislative powers. It consisted of 75 elected members serving three-year terms. Its mandate expanded to include discussion of domestic affairs and advising the Khedive, and it began to exercise real authority—particularly after 1879, when the principle of ministerial accountability was introduced.
The parliamentary system continued to develop under Khedive Tawfiq with the creation of the “Council of Laws,” composed of 30 members, including 16 elected ones. While its role was limited to discussing draft laws, it marked further progress toward formalizing parliamentary life.
Later, the “Legislative Assembly” was established, including both ministers and appointed and elected members, forming a more diverse legislative platform. Although its opinions were not binding, the assembly played a key role until its dissolution in 1923 due to the outbreak of World War I.
In response to the demands of the 1919 Revolution, the 1923 Constitution was enacted, establishing a bicameral parliamentary system comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, with equal powers and differing ratios of appointed and elected members. That period witnessed a flourishing of political pluralism and active legislation.
However, the 1930 Constitution rolled back many of these achievements, weakening the parliament and prompting a swift return to the 1923 Constitution under popular pressure. Following the 1952 July Revolution, the monarchy was abolished, political parties were dissolved, and the constitution was suspended, with the parliament replaced by the "National Assembly."
A series of temporary constitutions followed: the 1956 Constitution, the Constitution of the Union in 1958, and the 1964 Constitution—until the 1971 Constitution under President Anwar Sadat reshaped parliamentary life and led to the establishment of the “Shura Council” in 1980 via a public referendum, aimed at expanding political participation.
After the January 25, 2011 Revolution, both parliamentary chambers were dissolved and the constitution was suspended. The Shura Council was officially abolished following the June 30, 2013 events, due to its limited powers, by a decision from the constitutional amendment committee known as the "Committee of Fifty."
Then came the return: following the 2019 constitutional amendments, Law No. 141 of 2020 reestablished the Egyptian Senate as the second chamber of Parliament, contributing to the legislative process with the participation of experts and specialists from various fields.
The Senate now resides in its historic headquarters on Qasr Al-Aini Street, near Tahrir Square—a palace built during the reign of Khedive Ismail in 1866, which witnessed the birth of modern parliamentary life in Egypt. Upon the Senate's return, the House of Representatives approved the transfer of former Shura Council staff and all assets, including the historic palace, to the new entity.
In conclusion, the Egyptian Senate remains one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the region, with a legacy spanning over two centuries. Today, it renews its mission to uphold democracy and enhance popular participation in decision-making.
