Polarization increases in Egypt as election draws near
Efforts to launch President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's re-election bid are underway in Egypt amid fears that he will only face, by hook or by crook, a token opposition.
Politicians, celebrities and lawmakers will gather at a luxury Cairo hotel Oct. 16 to launch President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s re-election campaign. Abdel Nabi Abdel Sattar, an activist who is spearheading the “Continue Sisi” campaign, said, “It aims to gather 30,000 signatures for a petition urging Sisi to run for a second term in the 2018 presidential election.”
“We want him to continue his difficult mission of fighting terrorism and reviving the economy,” Abdel Sattar told the semi-official Al-Ahram newspaper.
Meanwhile, members of the Egyptian parliament are also launching a campaign to support Sisi’s re-election. Led by parliament’s pro-Sisi majority bloc “In Support of Egypt” and other lawmakers from various political affiliations, including members of the liberal Free Egyptians and El Wafd parties, the “Let’s Build Together” campaign aims to spread public awareness about Sisi’s achievements during his first term.
Kamal Amer, head of parliament’s Defense and National Security Committee, said Sisi’s accomplishments include national megaprojects that have been implemented or are in the execution phase. The campaign aims to highlight Sisi’s efforts to restore stability at a time when Egypt’s neighboring countries face serious challenges. It will also spotlight the progress made by Egypt in its fight against terrorism, Amer told Al-Monitor.
