Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi Secures Third Term With An 89.6% Majority Vote

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi secures a new six-year term, winning the presidential election with 89.6% of the vote, as announced by the National Elections Authority on Monday.

Hazem Badawy, the head of the Authority, highlighted an “unprecedented” turnout of 66.8% among Egypt’s 67 million voters. Over 39 million voters supported President Sissi, who has led the country for a decade.

Facing three opponents, including Hazem Omar, leader of the Republican People’s Party (second in the poll with 4.5% of the vote), Farid Zahran, leader of a small left-wing party, and Abdel-Sanad Yamama of the Wafd, President Sissi’s victory secures his third term starting in April, which is expected to be his last according to the Egyptian Constitution.

While this outcome was anticipated in a country of 106 million people grappling with numerous crises, including economic challenges and the conflict in neighboring Gaza, President Sissi’s victory underscores the prevailing support. Egypt is currently navigating an economic crisis with 36.4% inflation, a currency devaluation of 50% and rising prices of essential goods on a weekly basis.

Approximately two-thirds of the population reside below or slightly above the poverty line. In both the 2014 and 2018 presidential elections, President Sissi had secured victories with over 96% of the vote.