Abdel Fattah al-Sisi clinches his third consecutive term as Egypt’s president, securing a resounding victory with 89.6% of the votes in an election devoid of significant contenders, as declared by the National Election Authority on Monday.
The electoral outcome unfolded against the backdrop of Egypt grappling with persistent economic challenges and the ongoing concerns over potential ramifications from the conflict in Gaza, which shares a border with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
The eruption of tensions in Gaza seemingly influenced some voters to support Sisi, who has positioned himself as a stabilizing force in a tumultuous region.
This portrayal has garnered substantial backing from both Western and Gulf allies, resulting in substantial financial aid to his administration.
The voting process spanned three days, from December 10 to 12, with concerted efforts from the state and closely monitored local media to drive voter turnout.
The Election Authority reported a turnout of 66.8%, notably higher than the 41% recorded in the previous presidential election of 2018.
Although the election featured three additional candidates, none carried significant prominence. The most notable potential contender withdrew from the race in October, alleging harassment of his supporters by officials and hooligans—a claim dismissed by the National Election Authority.
“There were no elections, Sisi used the entire state apparatus and security agencies to prevent any serious contender from even running,” said Hossam Bahgat, head of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), an independent group.
Sisi, a former military leader who assumed power after the ousting of Egypt’s first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood, in 2013, has presided over a stringent crackdown on dissent across the political spectrum.
Having been elected initially in 2014 and subsequently re-elected in 2018, Sisi benefitted from a constitutional amendment in 2019 that extended the presidential term to six years from the prior four, enabling his pursuit of a third term.
Supporters of Sisi laud his infrastructural initiatives, such as the development of a new capital in the desert east of Cairo. However, critics view this project as an exorbitant venture amidst Egypt’s escalating debt and soaring prices.
Proponents of Sisi emphasize the priority on security, highlighting benefits that specific groups, including women, have experienced during his governance. Nourhan ElAbbassy, assistant secretary-general of the youth wing of the pro-Sisi Homat AlWatan party, called for increased female representation in key positions and revisions to personal rights laws concerning marriage, divorce, and alimony.
Efforts by authorities to address criticisms of Egypt’s human rights record, including initiatives like a national dialogue and the release of certain prominent prisoners, have been dismissed by critics as largely superficial.
The election witnessed varying levels of engagement across different regions. While some polling stations were bustling with activity, others remained notably quiet. Reports surfaced of individuals being transported to polling stations, waving national flags or banners while patriotic music played.
Additionally, there were accounts of basic commodities being distributed to voters in some areas, with claims of pressure from employers or financial incentives to encourage participation.
The state media body reiterated that providing money or goods in exchange for votes constitutes a criminal offense, subject to fines or imprisonment.
