Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has officially declared his intention to seek a third term in the upcoming presidential elections slated for December. President El Sisi, who has already served nine years in office, described this potential third term as a means to “continue the dream” for the Egyptian people.
Highlighting the significant accomplishments during his nine years in power as a “historic epic,” President El Sisi pledged that, if re-elected, he would revitalize Egypt’s political landscape, which has experienced limited development, and focus on fostering “modernity and democracy” in the nation of 105 million.
In a televised address that lasted 16 minutes, President El Sisi conveyed his readiness to respond to the call of the Egyptian people once more. He reiterated his commitment to relentless work and solicited divine assistance for the betterment of Egypt. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from a conference hall filled with government officials and fervent supporters, who gave him a standing ovation.
During his announcement, President El Sisi emphasized his dedication to the nation’s welfare, stating, “I have decided to nominate myself for you so we can continue the dream in a new presidential term that I promise will be a continuation of our joint endeavor for the sake of Egypt and its people.”
The announcement took place during a three-day forum called “A Nation’s Story,” hosted in the newly constructed New Administrative Capital, which cost $60 billion and is located in the desert east of Cairo.
Ahead of his declaration, thousands of El Sisi’s supporters gathered in major squares across various cities, including Cairo, displaying their allegiance by waving flags and expressing their approval as they watched the President’s speech on large screens.
President El Sisi’s decision to seek re-election was widely anticipated, and he is regarded as virtually assured of victory, given his incumbency and access to state resources, including media and bureaucracy. Many Egyptians have grown accustomed to leadership from a military background, viewing it as providing stability, particularly following years of post-2011 uprising turmoil.
Should President El Sisi secure the election, he will have accumulated 16 years in office by the end of his third term. He encouraged Egyptians to make the election a fresh start for vibrant political diversity, expressing his wish for a substantial voter turnout, even if he is not their choice.
The upcoming December election coincides with Egypt’s ongoing economic crisis, which President El Sisi attributes to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Critics contend that overspending and substantial foreign debt, exceeding $160 billion, have played significant roles in the economic challenges facing the nation.
