Egyptians are heading to the polls for a presidential election, with incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expected to secure a third term. The election is taking place amid an economic crisis and a war on the country's border with Gaza. Sisi's immediate priorities would be managing inflation, addressing the foreign currency shortage, and preventing spillover from the conflict in Gaza.
Three candidates have qualified to stand against Sisi, but none are high-profile figures. The election is seen by some as a mere formality, with no real opposition candidates due to a decade-long crackdown on dissent. Despite the economic challenges, there is little opposition to Sisi.
The International Monetary Fund is in talks with Egypt for additional financing. However, Sisi's rule has been marked by austerity measures for the public and lavish spending within his regime. Egypt's economy has worsened under his leadership, with increasing poverty and high inflation.
The conflict in Gaza has dominated media coverage, with some TV shows linking it to Sisi's favor. Despite Sisi's role in hostage negotiations, his inability to influence the situation in Gaza risks exposing the fragility of his rule at home. The war between Israel and Hamas has shifted attention away from Egypt's economic crisis and boosted Sisi's popularity.
The crisis has highlighted Egypt's role as a mediator and conduit for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Sisi's renewed diplomatic relevance on the international stage due to the Israel-Hamas war has led to visits from several top Western officials. Egypt's control of the Rafah crossing and its mediation roles in previous wars between Israel and Hamas have increased its geopolitical weight.
Despite these developments, critics view the election as a sham, and there are concerns about potential vote-buying campaigns to drive up turnout. The state is expected to conduct such a campaign. Sisi has implemented painful economic reforms, but they have not delivered the promised benefits. His inability to influence the situation in Gaza risks exposing the fragility of his rule at home.