April 19 marked the 100th day of the first session held by Egypt’s new parliament on Jan. 10. During this period, the legislature’s sessions were marked by battles, challenges and various crises involving members of parliament. The first crisis came on day 1, when inappropriate behavior by some of the parliamentarians was broadcast on live TV. This caused a wave of criticism and mockery on social networking sites, prompting the speaker of parliament, Ali Abdel Aal, who was elected by a majority of parliamentarians, with 380 votes, to issue a decision to stop live coverage of parliamentary sessions.
The most prominent challenge facing the parliament in its first session was the impasse posed by Article 156 of the Egyptian Constitution. The article notes that when “an event that requires taking urgent measures, which cannot be delayed,” occurs while the parliament is not in session, the president will call for an urgent session to discuss the matter. However, according to the same article, if a parliament has not been elected, the president has the authority to issue decrees that enter into force of law, but these decrees must be debated and approved by parliament within 15 days once a legislature is elected.