CAIRO, Jul 19 (Aswat Masriya) - Egypt's parliament voted in favour of the presidential decree No. 329, which calls for extending the state of emergency in North Sinai for three more months.

A number of parliamentarians from North Sinai opposed the decree, stating that the state of emergency represents a burden for the residents of the region.

Ali Abdel 'Al, the president of the parliament said that he will discuss with the government the possibility of lightening up the security measures of the state of emergency.

The official newspaper reported on Jul. 10 that a presidential decree has been issued to extend the state of emergency in Sinai for three more months, starting from the upcoming Jul. 29.

The Egyptian constitution states that the president may declare a state of emergency after consultation with the cabinet. However, “such declaration must be presented to the House of Representatives within the following seven days to decide thereon as it deems fit,” according to Article 154 of the constitution.

The declaration must be approved by a majority of the House members.

Militant insurgency has surged in North Sinai since the military ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July 2013 after mass protests against his rule. 

Islamic State-affiliated militants are the most active in the area, targeting mainly security personnel.

Sisi had declared the state of emergency and a curfew in the border province, for an initial three months, in October 2014 in reaction to a militant attack that killed 33 security personnel.

Islamic State affiliates claimed responsibility for the attack then.

The state of emergency imposed in a number of areas in Sinai has been renewed several times since.