The first stage of polling for the Shura Council, the Upper House of the Egyptian Parliament, is scheduled to begin Sunday January 29. The elections will kick off in13 governorates divided into 15 districts. The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), has announced it will field 87 candidates to compete for the 90 available seats in the first round. 

According to the FJP, the Shura elections are just as significant as the parliamentary elections during this critical phase in Egypt since the elected Shura council members will join the elected MPs in choosing the Constituent Assembly expected to draft the new constitution.

The party calls on the people to demonstrate the same enthusiasm and pro-activeness it did during the parliamentary elections and participate in the elections and cast their vote.

"We urge the media in all its forms to play a positive role and support the elections by encouraging the public to take part and head to the ballots in order that the democratic process continue so that stability may be restored in Egypt", the party said.