CAIRO — The last time Bishoy William went to church was two years ago. Like many of his peers in Egypt, he does not support the Coptic Orthodox Church’s strong political stance in favor of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's regime, despite its economic and political policies. They believe that these policies have failed to satisfy a large part of the Egyptian public.

The presidential election that is due to take place on March 26-28 has stirred controversy in the media and within the Coptic community. While the Coptic Orthodox Church seems to endorse Sisi most of all other religious institutions, the Coptic youths have differing stances toward the achievements made during Sisi's first presidential term. Some perceive that in comparison with the years that followed the January 25 Revolution, Sisi managed to bring safety to the Coptic Christians; others complain about the country’s economic situation and controversial rapprochement between the church and the ruling regime, and believe that the government has failed in countering terrorism.

“Sisi has lost the Copts’ support, especially that of the youth, due to the disappointing economic performance and deteriorating security situation over the past four years,” said Mina Thabet, a social science researcher at the University of Aberdeen.

He told Al-Monitor that despite the lack of accurate figures in this regard, a great number of Coptic youths will not vote in the presidential election because of the regime’s failure in fulfilling the main promise of halting terrorism and safeguarding the country's minorities.