Egypt’s el-Sisi Secures Third Term

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi won re-election for a third six-year term on Monday, December 18, 2023.

He secured 89.6% of the votes in the election from December 10 to 12, as confirmed by the Egyptian Electoral Authority SIS.

Sisi faced three challengers in the race. Hazem Omar, leader of the Republican Popular Party, finished second with 4.5% of the votes.

Farid Zahran from the Social Democratic Party and Abdel-Sanad Yamama of the centrist Wafd Party followed, garnering 4% and 1.9% respectively.

Over 39 million Egyptians voted for Sisi, who has led the country for a decade since his rise from the army.

The election reported a 66.8% voter turnout. Sisi’s third term, starting in April, aligns with the constitutional limit for the presidency.

The election occurred amid several national crises. These include heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and Egypt’s severe economic downturn.

The country faces an annual inflation rate of 36.4%, causing weekly increases in essential food prices.

Sisi first became president in 2013, succeeding Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president.

Re-elected in 2018 with 97% of the vote, Sisi amended the constitution during his presidency to extend term lengths and allow three consecutive terms instead of two.

This election marks his final term under the current constitutional guidelines.

Background

Sisi’s re-election reflects his continued dominance in Egyptian politics. His victory, with a large majority, shows significant support despite economic challenges.

Sisi’s tenure has been marked by stability but also criticism over human rights concerns.

Compared to regional leaders, Sisi’s long rule stands out in the Middle East, where leadership changes are more frequent.

His electoral success contrasts with the democratic movements of the Arab Spring, which brought him to power.

The high voter turnout suggests strong engagement in Egypt’s political process, despite economic hardships.

Sisi’s ability to amend the constitution for a third term shows his strong influence over Egypt’s political framework. This term, likely his last, will shape