Egyptians residing abroad have initiated the voting process for the presidential election in their homeland, where President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is widely anticipated to secure a third term. This early election spans three days across 121 countries globally, preceding the voting commencement in Egypt on December 10, amid prevalent economic challenges.
<犀利士 p>The largest Egyptian communities, notably in Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, are actively participating in this global electoral process.Domestically, the voting window is scheduled from December 10 to 12, with the winner’s announcement set for December 18.
Al-Sisi faces limited competition, with three candidates lacking substantial popular support: Farid Zahran of the Egyptian Democratic and Social Party, Abdel-Sanad Yamama, leader of the century-old Wafd party, and Hazem Omar, head of the Republican People’s Party.
The liberal opposition leader, Hisham Kassem, received a six-month prison sentence in October, effectively barring his participation in the campaign.
Ahmed al-Tantawi, a former parliamentarian, briefly held the hopes of the opposition before withdrawing from the presidential race on October 13. His campaign encountered obstacles, alleging attacks on supporters and interference preventing the collection of required signatures, purportedly orchestrated by those in power.
Allegations of electoral document forgery have emerged against al-Tantawi and some campaign members, leading to their upcoming court appearance next month.
President Sisi managed to gather 424 signatures from deputies out of 596 seats and 1.135 million signatures from citizens.
Economic concerns loom large in the election, reflecting a nation where about two-thirds of the 105 million population live near or below the poverty line. The country faces 40% inflation and significant price hikes due to a 50% currency devaluation, impacting imported goods. Recent financial incentives and raises for civil servants and retirees, announced by the president, have shown limited impact.
Al-Sisi previously secured victory in the two preceding presidential elections with over 96% of the vote. He ascended to power in 2013 following the overthrow of Islamist Mohamed Morsi.
