Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has secured a third term in office, capturing 89.6 per cent of the vote in the recent elections. The announcement by the national election authority confirmed the victory of the former army chief in the Arab world’s most populous nation.
Despite the challenging economic conditions, marked by high inflation and increasing household prices, Sisi’s victory was anticipated. Inflation has soared to 36.4 per cent, significantly impacting the daily lives of Egypt’s nearly 106 million citizens. Before this crisis, about two-thirds of the population lived at or below the poverty line.
Sisi, 69, now embarks on his third and constitutionally final six-year term, starting in April. This election marks his third landslide win, although with a slightly reduced margin compared to his victories in 2014 and 2018.
Sisi’s Political Journey and Future Challenges
A retired field marshal, Sisi first rose to prominence after leading the overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. He has since made constitutional amendments to extend the presidential term and increase the limit on consecutive terms.
Despite the initial wave of popularity, he was often referred to as “Sisimania,” economic reforms and austerity measures have strained his public support. His tenure has seen multiple currency devaluations and ambitious projects, such as a new $58 billion capital city, contributing to a significant increase in national debt.
With the economy under pressure, Sisi’s next term faces considerable challenges. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already extended congratulations, highlighting Sisi’s role in tackling socio-economic and foreign policy issues.
The election was held earlier than expected and came ahead of another anticipated currency devaluation, which may increase public discontent. The election saw an “unprecedented” turnout of 66.8 per cent, contrasting with the quieter streets of Cairo, where campaign materials largely featured Sisi.
