Three-day Presidential Election Wraps Up in Egypt
The three-day presidential election in Egypt came to a close on a Tuesday, boasting a turnout reminiscent of previous years. The electoral committee reported a turnout of approximately 45% as of Monday, with some polling stations even running out of ballots. The election, which kicked off on Sunday, was generally deemed "smooth" by the electoral committee, barring any issues or hindrances for voters. Comparatively, the 2018 and 2014 presidential elections saw voter turnouts of 41.5% and 47.5% respectively.
The perennial conflict in neighboring Gaza, which has persisted for over two months, casts a shadow over the election, bolstering incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's position. Al-Sisi can leverage his role in enabling aid deliveries to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing. Simultaneously, the government vehemently opposes accommodating a large influx of Palestinian refugees in Egypt, citing national security concerns and potential threats to the Palestinian state movement.
Al-Sisi's victory in the election appears to be a formality, given the shrinking political opposition in the country. Human rights organizations frequently decry the imprisonment of dissidents on alleged bogus charges, with Freedom House labeling civil liberties in Egypt as "severely restricted."
Thanks to a 2019 constitutional amendment, al-Sisi is eligible to contest for a third term, with the tenure of his office extended to six years, potentially lasting until 2030. Despite being the only serious contender, Ahmed al-Tantaui, who had initially entered the race, withdrew his candidacy after reports of harassment and violence targeting his supporters. The Egyptian government countered accusations of misconduct, whereas al-Tantaui and his associates currently stand trial on allegations of violating election procedures.
As of now, the election results are slated to be announced on December 18th.
Additional Insights:
Notable past elections:
- June 2012 Election: Dynamic presidential election saw a heated contest between Muhammad Morsi (Muslim Brotherhood) and Ahmed Shafiq. Morsi emerged victorious with 52% of the vote, with Shafiq trailing behind at 48%.
- October 2023 Controversy: El-Sisi's third-term bid was marred by controversy, with allegations of intimidation and harassment against opposition candidates, including Ahmed al-Tantaui. Consequently, Tantaui withdrew his candidacy, citing political obstructions.
