Presidential elections begin in Egypt – the country is in the midst of an economic crisis. The World Climate Conference will again take place in an oil state in 2024

Overshadowed by the war in neighboring Gaza and a serious economic crisis, the three-day presidential elections have begun in Egypt. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is seeking a third term in office, cast his vote early on Sunday at a polling station in eastern Cairo. It is considered certain that Al-Sisi will win the elections.

Critics say there have been no free elections in the country since he came to power ten years ago and any serious opposition has been almost completely suppressed. The results will be announced on December 18.

These are the candidates

Voters gathered at polling stations in Cairo and other cities on Sunday. Afaf Abdu, a father of four and Al-Sisi supporter, said: “I voted for him twice and will vote for him a third time.” Hasim Omar, one of the three opposing candidates, thanked his supporters in the New Cairo district. “The people are the master,” said Omar. “Your will can only be realized if you participate,” he said, referring to the elections. In the North African country, 67 of the 109 million inhabitants are called upon to cast their vote.

The only serious opponent, Ahmed al-Tantaui, reported intimidation and violence against his supporters. The Egyptian authorities deny this, he has withdrawn his application and has to appear in court with 21 employees for violating formal election procedures. According to IT experts at the Canadian Citizen Lab, Al-Tantaui’s cell phone was spied on multiple times.

War in Gaza

The elections are heavily overshadowed by the war in neighboring Gaza, which plays into the hands of Al-Sisi. Many Egyptians share Al-Sisi’s concerns that the fighting could force many Palestinians across the border into Egypt. According to Al-Sisi, this would undermine the goals of the millions of Palestinians who are still stateless today and endanger Egypt’s security. But there are also critical voices who accuse Al-Sisi’s government of accepting the many civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip and who call for opening the border.

Former general Al-Sisi came to power after a military coup in 2013 and has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. His supporters see him as a guarantee of stability in uncertain times in the region. Critics say Egypt has turned into a police state, with tens of thousands of activists and Islamists jailed or forced into exile. The press is heavily censored and demonstrations are effectively banned. (sda/dpa)