President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt was sworn in for a third six-year term after being re-elected in a December vote with no serious challengers. The oath of office was taken before parliament in the new administrative capital outside Cairo. El-Sissi won 89.6% of the vote with turnout of 66.8%, facing three virtually unknown opponents. This victory comes after constitutional amendments extended his second term and allowed him to run for a third term.
The December election was marred by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which posed a threat of regional instability. El-Sissi, who was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, was seen as the inevitable winner. His opponents were not prominent political figures and had minimal presence during the campaign. Despite concerns raised by rights groups, El-Sissi’s victory solidifies his grip on power in Egypt.
The swearing-in ceremony took place amidst criticism of the Egyptian government’s treatment of opposition figures. A challenger to El-Sissi was convicted, leading to accusations of a lack of political freedom in Egypt. The government’s actions have sent a clear message of intolerance towards criticism and dissent. El-Sissi’s overwhelming victory in the election further entrenches his authority and limits the space for opposition to operate in the country.
The extension of El-Sissi’s term and the subsequent constitutional changes have raised concerns about the consolidation of power in Egypt. The lack of serious challengers in the December election underscored the challenges faced by opposition groups in the country. With regional tensions threatening to spill over into Egypt, El-Sissi’s leadership will be closely watched for its handling of domestic and foreign policy issues.
Despite questions about the legitimacy of the election and criticisms of the government’s actions, El-Sissi’s third term marks a continuation of his rule and control over Egypt. The new administrative capital symbolizes a shift in the country’s center of power, away from Cairo. As El-Sissi begins his third term, the focus will be on how his administration addresses internal dissent and external challenges while maintaining stability and security in the region.
In conclusion, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s re-election for a third term solidifies his grip on power in Egypt. The lack of serious challengers and accusations of political repression raise concerns about the state of democracy and political freedom in the country. As Egypt faces internal and external challenges, El-Sissi’s leadership will be tested in the coming years in his efforts to maintain stability and security in the region.
