EGYPT: National Elections Authority Begins Vote Counting

(Dec. 12) – Vote tabulation commenced in Egypt on Tuesday evening following the closure of polls at 7 PM GMT. A total of 67 million Egyptians were registered to participate in the presidential election.

According to the state newspaper Al-Ahram, the National Elections Authority, responsible for organizing the poll, reported an “unprecedented” voter turnout, contrasting with the 41% recorded in the 2018 election.

Former army chief Abdelfattah El-Sissi is contesting against three relatively unknown candidates: Farid Zahran, leader of the left-leaning Egyptian Social Democratic Party; Abdel-Sanad Yamama from the Wafd; and Hazem Omar from the Republican People’s Party.

Voting in Egypt commenced on Sunday, with Egyptian expatriates casting their ballots in early December. The soaring cost of living, exacerbated by an economic crisis and the devaluation of the official currency, is a primary concern for many voters who have seen their savings dwindle.

Foreign policy, particularly in the aftermath of the Israeli offensive in neighboring Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis, is also a significant concern for some voters.

Results of the presidential polls are scheduled to be announced on Monday (Dec. 18 2023). In the event that no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a runoff is slated for Jan. 8-10. However, observers anticipate that Sisi will secure a third term.