Egyptian Parliament Speaker Ahmed Srour has said that the country’s immigration and citizenship laws would not be amended to allow citizens with dual nationality to run for office or vote, dealing a likely death-blow to MP Rami Lakah’s legal battle to retain his seat, according to press reports.
“The verdict issued by the Higher Administrative court against the independent MP Rami Lakah is not open for discussion by Parliament because such verdicts should be implemented immediately without questioning,” added Srour.
Srour described the verdict as the first of its type in the history of the Egyptian Parliament, laying the foundation for new constitutional and legal principles.
The speaker suggested that any action regarding the future of Lakah would be determined at the forthcoming parliamentary session in November.
The daily Al Gomhuria said also that a joint meeting for the general and legal committees would be held at the beginning of the new session.
The chairman of the parliamentary grievance committee, Mohammed Guwaili, said that his committee had not been notified of any amendments to the citizenship law.
MP Mahmoud Ibrahim, who represents Azbakiyyah district, said that he did not know the whereabouts of Lakah following the latter’s closure of his district office.
A parliamentary source announced that the higher court verdict against Lakah could be put into effect immediately, contrary to the decision taken by the lower court, which was considered an investigation rather than a ruling.
Many members of the parliamentary legislative committee said the ruling meant that Lakah had lost his seat, with all its privileges, including immunity.
Al Gomhuria cited sources as saying that the minister of interior would issue a resolution withdrawing the announcement that Lakah had won his Parliament race, and would notify Parliament to that effect.
This will necessitate the issuance of a resolution by Parliament declaring the vacancy of the seat in Lakah’s district, similar to procedures after an MP’s death – Albawaba.com
