Egypt president El-Sissi re-elected for 3rd term with 89.6% of votes

In the recent presidential election in Egypt, President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi secured a new six-year term with an overwhelming 89.6% of the vote, as announced by the National Elections Authority on Monday. The voter turnout was described as “unprecedented,” reaching 66.8% among the country’s 67 million eligible voters.

Out of the more than 39 million ballots cast, President Sissi emerged victorious, maintaining his leadership position in the nation for a decade. The election featured three opposing candidates: Hazem Omar, leader of the Republican People’s Party, secured the second position with 4.5% of the vote, followed by Farid Zahran, leader of a small left-wing party, and Abdel-Sanad Yamama of the Wafd, a century-old but now marginalized political party.

Mr Sissi’s victory guarantees him a third term in office, starting in April and supposed to be his last, under the Egyptian Constitution.

His election comes as no surprise in a country of 106 million people beset by multiple crises, ranging from purchasing power to the war in neighbouring Gaza.

In the midst of an economic crisis, inflation currently stands at 36.4%, while the currency has lost half its value and the price of certain basic foods is rising every week.

Two-thirds of the population live below or just above the poverty line.

In the 2014 and 2018 presidential elections, Mr Sissi won with more than 96% of the vote.