A group of Egyptians living abroad asked the National Council for Human Rights to support an initiative allowing residents with dual citizenship to run as candidates in the next parliament elections, reported State Television Wednesday.
The Egyptian Union in Europe, headed by Essam Abdel Samad, made the request during a meeting in Cairo on Wednesday with NCHR chief Hossam al-Gheriany, Secretary General Abdullah al-Ashaal and council member Osama Roshdy.
The group, based in London, said depriving Egyptians with dual citizenship from running in polls violated their civil and political rights. Dual citizens are currently not allowed to run for office according to the elections law.
Members added that their request is based on rights and freedoms included in the Constitution.
Gheriany said the NCHR supports the idea and is also recommending the development of legislation that governs the political rights of dual citizens.
