Egyptian Shura decision: Non-voters will be fined

Egypt's Shura Council has decided Tuesday to punish non-voters in the coming elections. The current sole legislative body in Egypt has approved not to make any amendments to the article 50 of exercising political rights law, which stipulates a minimum fine of EGP 500 against those who refrain from going to the ballots while their names are registered on the electoral databases. Shura debate witnessed disagreement between opposition members and those affiliated to the ruling Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) and the Salafi al-Nour Party. The first side argued that voting is a political right and citizens cannot be punished if they choose to abandon it. However, the other side insisted that voting is a national duty imposed by the constitution. "The law provided for an excuse in some certain cases", Assistant Justice Minister for Legislation counselor Omar el-Shrif explained.