Historical Background

Shoura (Consultation) is one of the principles of government in Islam. Egypt has witnessed more than one experiment with the Shoura Council in the course of its modern history.

The first Shoura Council was established in 1829 by Mohammed Ali. In 1866, Khedive lsmail instituted a Shoura Council of Deputies . This Council is considered the origin of parliamentary life in Egypt . Under the regime of Khedive Tawfik, the 1882 Constitution was issued on 7 February, 1882, but this was suspended due to the British occupation. .

Parliamentary life in Egypt collapsed with the British occupation. In 1882, the British occupation forces abrogated the constitution, replacing it with the 1883 Regulative Law. Under this law, a Legislative Shoura Council and a Public Assembly were constituted. Both bodies., however ,were advisory and had no binding powers.

By the beginning of the Twentieth Century, the national movement in Egypt flourished . This national feeling culminated in the 1919 Egyptian Revolution . Demands for the nation's right to independence led Britain to issue the declaration of 28 February, 1922 abolishing the British Protectorate and recognising Egypt as an independent and sovereign state. In April 1923, the new Constitution was Proclaimed authorising all legislative and control powers to Parliament. The system was bicameral and comprised the Senate and the House of Representatives.

On 23 July, 1952, the Revolution broke out as an expression of the Egyptian people's aspirations to provide for better life and to consummate the drive of national and political freedom . A Republican Regime was declared and a new Constitution was approved by plebiscite in 1956. It provided for the election of a House of Representatives called The Nation's Assembly in 1956, but this was postponed till 22 July, of the following year because of the Tripartite Aggression on Egypt.

In March 1964, a provisional Constitution was proclaimed, embodying many of the main principles in the political system of the country. The new National Assembly was formed.

On 11 September, 1971, The permanent Constitution was issued followed by elections for the New Legislative Assembly, named the People's Assembly.

On 22 May, 1980, the Constitution was amended stating the creation of 'The Shoura Assembly ' and defining its structure and functions.