President Sisi secures unprecedented third term with overwhelming 896% majority in Egyptian elections

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has secured his third, six-year term as president of Egypt, with 89.6% of the votes in an election where he did not face strong opponents, the National Election Authority revealed on Monday.

The election occurred as Egypt grapples with an ongoing economic crisis and works to address the potential impact of the conflict in Gaza, situated near Egypts Sinai Peninsula.

The conflict in Gaza spurred some voters to support Sisi, who has positioned himself as a stabilizing force in a volatile region. This argument has resonated with Gulf and Western allies, leading to financial support for his government. Voting in Egypt took place from Dec. 10-12, and the state and tightly controlled domestic media made strong efforts to increase turnout. The election authority reported a turnout of 66.8%, exceeding the 41% recorded in the 2018 presidential election.

Three other candidates, none of whom were well-known, participated in the election. The most prominent potential challenger withdrew his candidacy in October, citing allegations that officials and criminals had targeted his supporters - accusations that were dismissed by the National Election Authority.

He again carefully selected his opponents, who merely went through the motions of running against the president with minimal or no criticism of his failed policies, similar to the previous election. Egypt's state media claimed that the vote was a move towards political diversity, and officials have denied any breaches of electoral regulations.

Costly extravagance

Sisi, a former general, has implemented a wide-ranging suppression of opposing views across the political spectrum following the 2013 removal of Egypt's initial democratically chosen leader, Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood.

He won the presidency in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018, both times with 97% of the vote. In 2019, the constitution was amended to extend the presidential term to six years from four, allowing Sisi to stand for a third term.

While some praise the infrastructure projects, including a new capital built in the desert east of Cairo, others view the city as an expensive luxury during a time of increasing debt and soaring prices in Egypt.

Sisi's supporters emphasize the importance of security and assert that certain groups have thrived during his administration. Nourhan ElAbbassy, assistant secretary-general of the youth faction of the pro-Sisi Homat AlWatan party, specifically mentioned the positive impact on women.

"We hope to see more women in leadership roles, including female ministers in the cabinet who are qualified, and changes to personal rights laws related to marriage, divorce, and alimony," she expressed. Authorities have attempted to respond to criticism of Egypt's human rights record by engaging in a national dialogue and releasing some high-profile prisoners. However, critics have viewed these actions as merely superficial.

Many Egyptians showed little interest in the election, believing the outcome was already decided. Reuters journalists covering the vote in Cairo, Giza, Suez, and the Sinai Peninsula observed individuals being transported to certain polling locations and congregating outside, waving flags and banners while patriotic music filled the air. In contrast, some polling stations remained peaceful and quiet.

In Giza, a Reuters reporter witnessed people receiving bags of flour, rice, and other essential items as a reward for voting. Some voters reported being coerced by their employers to participate, while others claimed they were offered financial incentives to cast their ballots.

According to the state media, offering money or goods in exchange for votes is considered a criminal offense and can result in fines or imprisonment.