Constitution Party (Egypt)

Constitution Party
حزب الدستور
El-Dostour Party
PresidentGameela Ismail[1]
FounderMohamed ElBaradei
Founded28 April 2012 (2012-04-28)
HeadquartersCairo
Think tankNational Association for Change
IdeologyLiberalism (Egyptian)[2]
Social liberalism[3]
Big tent[4]
Political positionCentre-left[5]
National affiliationCivil Democratic Movement[6]
Free Path Alliance[7]
Colors  Blue
  green
Slogan"Bread, Freedom, Social Justice"
(Arabic: عيش حرية عدالة أجتماعية)
House of Representatives
0 / 568
Website
www.aldostourparty.org

The Constitution Party (Arabic: حزب الدستور, romanized: Ḥizb el-Dostour) is a political party in Egypt. Founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohamed ElBaradei in 2012, it aims to protect and promote the principles and objectives of the 2011 Egyptian revolution, according to liberal ideals.[8]

Background

The party was launched on 28 April 2012 by Mohamed ElBaradei and a group of Egyptian intellectuals and activists. ElBaradei described that the aim of the party was "to save the great 25 January revolution, which has been derailed and is almost aborted, and to restore our unity."[9] The party was seen as a moderate force to counter emerging Islamist gains. ElBaradei said that he intended to increase the party's base for the next election in four years time. The party aims to unite all Egyptians, regardless of creed or ideology, behind democracy.

ElBaradei hoped the party would attract, in particular, the young people who were behind the uprising that toppled President Mubarak.[10]

History

The Constitution Party has attracted a youthful membership, with over 85% of its membership being under the age of 35.[11] Youth leaders of the Constitution Party have at times expressed differences with party leadership, contributing to the internal dynamics influencing the party's development.[12][13][14][15]

The Constitution Party supported the Tamarod movement and the removal of President Mohamed Morsi in June 2013.[16][17] ElBaradei was appointed interim vice president by Adly Mansour but resigned one month later, in August 2013, over the use of violence against pro-Muslim Brotherhood protesters.[18][19] The resignation led to distancing between the Constitution Party and the party founder. A number of Constitution leaders resigned from the party after ElBaradei's resignation from the interim vice presidency.[20] ElBaradei is no longer involved with the party[21][22] though he was named honorary president of the party on 22 February 2014.[23]

The former spokesman of the party, Khaled Dawoud,[24] was stabbed on 4 October 2013.[25] A day later his condition had improved.[26]

The party announced an official neutral position on the January 2014 constitutional referendum but strongly encouraged Egyptians to participate.[27]

Hala Shukrallah was elected to lead the Constitution Party in February 2014, and became "the first woman – and first Christian – to lead a major Egyptian party."[28] She won the election with 108 votes, compared to 57 votes for Gameela Ismail and 23 votes for Hossam Abdel-Ghafar, with two spoiled ballots.[29] The party voted to endorse Hamdeen Sabahi in May 2014 ahead of the 2014 presidential election, with 59.3% voting in favor, 28.6% voting for a boycott, 10.1% voting to endorse president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and 2% selecting a different candidate.[30] Shukrallah's February decision to boycott the 2015 Egyptian parliamentary election was met with criticism and some resignations from the party.[31] She resigned from the position in August 2015.[32]

Party elections, which began in June 2015, were postponed.[33] Four different lists prepared to run in the election; Mohamed El-Gamal was affiliated with "Together We Can", Ahmed Metwally ran on the "Why Not" list, Tamer Gomaa was part of the “We Will Develop Alternatives” list and Ahmed Bayoumi was the head of the “Change Comes Through Proper Thinking” list. Dawoud and prominent party figure Ismail supported El-Gamal.[34]

Dawoud announced in September 2015 that the members of the party voted in favor of participating in the election.[35] The Together We Can list was opposed to participating until internal elections took place.[36]

The party was expected to hold a leadership election in November 2016[37], though the "high committee" of the party was unable to reach a quorum.[38]

Dawoud won a party leadership election held in January 2017, in which he was the only candidate.[39]

Gameela Ismail won a leadership election that was held in July 2022, defeating Dawoud.[1]

The party allied with the Conservative Party and formed the Free Path Alliance ahead of the 2025 Egyptian parliamentary election.[7]

It will hold a leadership election in 2026, with the window for nominations starting on 25 January. Ismail does not expect to be a candidate.[40]

Electoral history

House of Representatives elections

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Platform

The Constitution Party "aims to build a new Egypt based on democratic governance, education, competence, experience and the rule of law." Respect for human rights, advancing the Egyptian economy, providing for the basic needs of citizens, and advancing social equality are among the party's primary goals. The principles of the party are summarized in its slogan, "Bread, Freedom, and Social Justice."[41]

Organization

Tamer Gomaa served as the secretary general of the party until his resignation in August 2016.[39]

A committee within the party, called The Wise Ones, is used to resolve disputes.[42]

Leaders

Leader Took office Left office
1 Mohamed ElBaradei 2012[43] July 2013[44]
2 Sayyed Kassem (acting) July 2013[44] February 2014[44]
3 Hala Shukrallah February 2014[44] April 2015[45]
4 Tamer Gomaa (acting) ? July 2016[38] or July 2018[46]
5 Khaled Dawoud (disputed) January 2017[47]
6 Ahmed Bayoumi March 2017[48] ?
7 Alaa El-Khayam February 2019[46] ?
8 Gameela Ismail July 2022[1] Present

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Essan El-Din, Gamal (27 July 2022), "Newly-elected head of Egypt's Dostour Party invited to national dialogue", Ahram Online, retrieved 25 February 2026
  2. ^ Howeidy, Amira (1 October 2012), "Egypt's political coalitions: Grand titles and vague platforms", Ahram Online, retrieved 5 February 2026
  3. ^ Dawoud, Khaled (8 April 2016). "Egyptian Social Democratic Party Elections Highlight a Deep Rift". Atlantic Council. Archived from the original on 28 October 2018. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  4. ^ "All broken up: new coalitions form as old electoral alliances die out". Daily News Egypt. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  5. ^ "Dostour leader sets up party for new beginning", Mada Masr, 25 February 2014, archived from the original on 26 March 2014, retrieved 25 February 2014
  6. ^ "Eight liberal and leftist Egyptian parties to boycott 2018 presidential elections". Ahram Online. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  7. ^ a b Essam El-Din, Gamal (5 October 2025). "Preparing for a new parliament". Ahram Online. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  8. ^ "الدستور" يتقدم بأوراقه للجنة الأحزاب و"البرادعى": هدفنا"لم الشمل" وتمكين الشباب"". Al-Masry Al-Youm (in Arabic). 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
  9. ^ Afify, Heba (28 April 2012). "ElBaradei returns to Egyptian politics with new revolutionary party". Egypt Independent.
  10. ^ "Baradei launches new Egyptian party, but too late for election". BBC News. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2013.
  11. ^ Lindsey, Ursula (20 March 2014). "A new leader for a young party". Mada Masr. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
  12. ^ "Dostour Party's youth not decided on supporting candidate yet: Shukrallah". The Cairo Post. 28 February 2014. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  13. ^ "Dostour Party youths sit-in at HQ". Egypt Independent. 4 February 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  14. ^ Kortam, Hend (3 April 2013). "Al-Dostour Party youth launch initiative". Daily News Egypt. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  15. ^ "Troubled Constitution Party hit with 54 resignations in Egypt's Alexandria". Ahram Online. 16 October 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  16. ^ Assran, Mahitab (4 June 2013). "Reactions vary to Tamarod's 30 June plans". Egypt News Daily. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  17. ^ "Dostour Party: President Morsy "lost his mind"". Egypt Independent. 3 July 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  18. ^ "The Return of El-Baradei". Asharq Al Awsat. 11 July 2013. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  19. ^ "ElBaradei quits as Egypt vice president in protest at crackdown". Reuters. 14 August 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  20. ^ El-Adawy, Adel. "Egypt's Crackdown and ElBaradei's Resignation". 13 Aug 2013. The Washington Institute. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  21. ^ Abdel Tawab, Mostafa (13 February 2014). "Dostor Party chairman: ElBaradei believes that his political role is over". The Cairo Post. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  22. ^ "Dostour: ElBaradei no longer connected with party", Egypt Independent, 18 September 2013, retrieved 13 December 2013
  23. ^ "Al-Dostour elects Egypt's first female party leader", Daily News Egypt, 22 February 2014, retrieved 24 February 2014
  24. ^ "Egyptian Dostour Party spokesperson Khaled Dawoud resigns", Ahram Online, 23 August 2015, retrieved 5 July 2024
  25. ^ "Constitution Party's Khaled Dawoud stabbed by 'pro-Morsi protesters'", Ahram Online, 4 October 2013, retrieved 13 December 2013
  26. ^ "Strong Egypt Party denounces Khaled Dawoud stabbing", Egypt Independent, 5 October 2013, retrieved 13 December 2013
  27. ^ El-Dabh, Basil (10 December 2013). "Al-Dostour Party condemns boycotting the referendum". Daily News Egypt. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
  28. ^ Kingsley, Patrick (1 March 2014). "First woman to head a political party in Egypt says it proves the revolution has changed attitudes". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  29. ^ "Hala Shukrallah succeeds ElBaradei as head of Constitution Party". Ahram Online. 21 February 2014. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  30. ^ "Dostour Party endorses Sabbahi's candidacy". Mada Masr. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2026.
  31. ^ Ali Shawky, Amany (19 August 2015). "After its leader resigns what comes next for the Dostour Party?". Mada Masr. Translated by Mai Shams El-Din. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  32. ^ Mostafa, Mahmoud (18 August 2015). "Al-Dostour Party to set elections timeframe following Shukrallah's resignation". Daily News Egypt. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
  33. ^ El-Fekki, Amira (24 June 2015). "Al-Dostour Party halts internal elections over voters' database issue". Daily News Egypt. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  34. ^ El-Fekki, Amira (4 October 2015). "Al-Dostour Party prepares party elections with 4 candidates". Daily News Egypt. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  35. ^ "Egypt's Constitution Party to participate in upcoming parliamentary elections", Ahram Online, 8 September 2015, retrieved 24 February 2026
  36. ^ El-Fekki, Amira (9 September 2015), "Al-Dostour Party in dispute over parliamentary elections' participation", Daily News Egypt, retrieved 24 February 2026
  37. ^ El-Fekki, Amira (4 October 2015), "Al-Dostour Party to hold internal elections on 6 November", Daily News Egypt, retrieved 25 February 2026
  38. ^ a b El-Mahdawy, Hadeer (6 November 2016), "What is behind Egyptian Constitution Party's leadership vacuum?", Ahram Online, retrieved 25 February 2026
  39. ^ a b Shams El-Din, Mai (27 January 2017). "Default election resolves 2-year conflict over Dostour Party presidency". Mada Masr. Translated by Jano Charbel. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
  40. ^ Essan El-Din, Gamal (8 January 2026), "Political parties seek new leaders", Ahram Online, retrieved 25 February 2026
  41. ^ "About us". Al Dostour Party. Archived from the original on 23 March 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  42. ^ Halawa, Omar (7 September 2015), "Ahead of the parliamentary race, what's left of Egypt's political parties?", Ahram Online, retrieved 24 February 2026
  43. ^ "Egypt's Mohamed ElBaradei launches Egyptian party", BBC News, 28 April 2012, retrieved 18 April 2019
  44. ^ a b c d "Hala Shukrallah succeeds ElBaradei as head of Constitution Party", Ahram Online, 21 February 2014, retrieved 24 February 2026
  45. ^ "Hala Shukrallah's term as Constitution Party leader ends". Ahram Online. 24 April 2015. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
  46. ^ a b Barsoum, Marina (2 February 2019), "New head of Egypt's Constitution Party aims to end internal disputes", Ahram Online, retrieved 25 February 2026
  47. ^ "Al-Dostour Party designates Khaled Dawoud as new president", Daily News Egypt, 26 January 2017, retrieved 5 July 2024
  48. ^ "Ahmed Bayoumi elected new Al-Dostour Party leader", Daily News Egypt, 18 March 2017, retrieved 5 July 2024
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