Copts in Alexandria expressed resentment for Coptic candidates being ignored by the National Democratic Party’s electoral college. An ecclesiastical source said that the Church is outraged and is considering boycotting the elections. Vice chairman of the Cairo-based Al-Kalimah Center for Human Rights Joseph Malāk said that the center understands the Church’s concern and pointed out that there are only five Coptic candidates throughout the whole nation. Secretary of the Coptic Orthodox Community Council Dr. Kāmil Sadīq denied the Church’s intentions of boycotting the elections, stating that it does not interfere with parliamentary elections as they are a civil issue, not a religious one.

Key Words: Alexandria - Al-Kalimah Center for Human Rights - Joseph Malāk - Dr. Kāmil Sadīq – Pope Shenouda III