Egypt’s Upcoming Presidential Election: High Expectations for Incumbent amid Economic Turmoil
Photo:Reuters
As Egypt prepares for its upcoming presidential election, all signs point to a third term for incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, despite a backdrop of social discontent and a crippling economic crisis. The election, often described as ‘surprise-free’, is expected to underscore the strong grip that al-Sissi has maintained over Egypt since he first assumed office in 2014. President al-Sissi came to power following a military coup that ousted former President Mohamed Morsi. His administration has been marked by a firm stance against political dissent, with the government often justifying its actions as necessary to maintain stability and combat terrorism. Critics, however, argue that this approach has led to widespread human rights violations and a stifling of political freedoms. Over the course of his two terms, President al-Sissi has faced a multitude of challenges.
The most pressing of these is an acute economic crisis that has sent the cost of living skyrocketing and left many Egyptians living below the poverty line. Despite the implementation of a series of economic reforms, including austerity measures backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the economic situation has shown little improvement. The economic hardship, coupled with allegations of corruption and mismanagement, has fuelled social unrest. Yet, despite the discontent, the upcoming election is widely expected to result in a victory for al-Sissi. This is largely due to a lack of viable opposition, as many potential challengers have been either sidelined or intimidated into silence. The election process has also been marred by allegations of unfairness and lack of transparency. Several international observers have raised concerns about the integrity of the election process, with reports of restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, as well as claims of vote-rigging and voter suppression. Despite these concerns, al-Sissi’s administration remains defiant. Government spokespeople argue that the measures taken are necessary for national security and stability, pointing out the regional turmoil that Egypt has largely avoided. The expected victory of President al-Sissi in the upcoming election is seen by some as a testament to his grip on power, while others see it as a reflection of the state of Egypt’s political landscape. Regardless of perspective, the election results will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of Egypt and its role in the wider Middle Eastern and North African region. As Egypt prepares to go to the polls, the international community will be watching closely. The election represents not only a test for al-Sissi’s administration but also for the resilience of Egypt’s democratic institutions amidst a climate of political and economic instability.
By Cora Sulleyman
