First, the funding: Running an election campaign is a costly business. If Sisi intends to respect the Egyptian public, he must make known the source(s) of his funding, which should be completely independent from the government. The mysterious widespread distribution of Sisi posters across Egypt is not a good start. Even local Egyptian commentators have raised concerns. Sisi cannot claim he is the champion of a new era if his campaign rejects transparency.

Second, the manifesto: Thus far, no one knows exactly what Sisi's plans are for the Egyptian economy or foreign and domestic policies. The chorus of patriotism and nationalism that surround him mask a deeper, problematic pitfall of inaccurate assumptions. Egyptians are being led to believe by a huge media campaign that Sisi is the answer to Egypt's mess, but without clear explanation of the how and at what price. Many tend to assume that the policies of the current interim government are indicative of Sisi's ideas, but that may not be the case. The simple truth is that no one knows his stance on the issues, because he has never publicly elaborated his views. Nonetheless, once he announces his candidacy, he must provide a clear manifesto that avoids cliches and generalized intentions.