Sisi benefits from early presidential elections
The Egyptian authorities' decision to hold presidential elections before parliamentary elections will strengthen Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's chances of winning, if he runs, but he could still see a decline in popularity during the campaign.
First came the popular demand that Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi run for president. Then came reports that he intended to run, followed by a referendum through which the masses declared their support for his candidacy. On the third anniversary of the January 25 Revolution, there were continued widespread demands that he run. The government then promoted him to the position of field marshal, leading many to expect that he would resign within hours. Finally came the announcement by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) mandating Sisi for president.
Thousands of Egyptians, both supporters and opponents, had been waiting for news of Sisi's mandate. Sisi’s nomination was a turning point for those hesitant to describe the events of June 30 as a coup; now, they are certain it was. For those who describe June 30 as a revolution, Sisi becoming president would mark a happy end to their road map. And for those who had considered running for president, Sisi’s nomination is a sign for them to withdraw. Everyone realizes that Sisi will win the election, despite factors that could make a victory difficult.
Prospective candidates
“The next president of Egypt will not be veteran politician Amr Moussa, Nasserist leader Hamdeen Sabahi, former Brotherhood member Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh or retired Gen. Ahmed Shafiq. … Undoubtedly, Sisi enjoys wide popularity that would guarantee him victory …” wrote Saudi journalist Abdul Rahman al-Rashed in his Jan. 13 column for Asharq Alawsat.
