Leader of Egypt's winning party outlines what's next
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Free Egyptians Party's acting President Essam Khalil discusses the party’s plan following its victory in the first and second stages of the parliamentary elections.
CAIRO — The Free Egyptians Party (FEP), a liberal party established in the wake of the January 25 Revolution by Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris, came in first place in the first stage of the parliamentary elections, held Oct. 17-28, after securing 41 seats. According to preliminary results from the second stage that took place between Nov. 21 and Dec. 2, the party also dominated this round, reportedly securing an additional 65 seats. Al-Monitor spoke with the FEP’s acting President Essam Khalil, who revealed the party’s agenda in the parliament, and discussed legislative priorities and the party’s stance toward calls for the amendment of the current constitution.
Khalil repudiated claims that the party is trying to take over the parliament in order to control the country, denying that the party resorted to the sectarian vote to win.
The text of the interview follows:
Al-Monitor: How was the FEP able to secure a victory in the first round of parliamentary elections?
