National Dialogue Issues Report on Final Recommendations of 13 Committees

The National Dialogue issued Friday a report summarizing the recommendations and findings of 13 committees.

The coordinating committee said in a statement that the report reflects the final conclusions of the committees after holding specialized sessions to develop several social, economic, and political proposals.

The Municipalities Committee of the National Dialogue, within the framework of the political axis, reached a consensus on the urgent need to pass the local people's councils law and hold their elections quickly.

The committee also agreed to use a combination of a closed absolute list of 75% and an incomplete proportional list of 25% as an electoral system for local people's councils.

Participants also recommend revising laws to provide more meaningful representation for workers and farmers who wish to run for local council positions and examining the case of cities in newly developed urban communities to ensure that residents there have the right to elect a local council fairly and transparently.

The Municipal Committee also called for the provision of mechanisms and procedures for local people's councils, including the formation of participatory planning committees to allow citizens to participate in the planning and management of projects and facilities in their communities.

They also reached an agreement to provide practical and vocational training for members of the local councils, enabling youth to participate in future elections.

Moreover, a comprehensive definition of the roles and responsibilities of the Board will be developed, and effective oversight mechanisms will be put in place. Specific controls, such as cross-examination will also be implemented to ensure accountability among council members.

Finally, Diaa Rashwan, the General Coordinator of the National Dialogue announced that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has received all the proposals put forward by the committees.