Cairo, Egypt – (African Boulevard News) – In a move that has surprised many, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has announced his intention to run for a third term in office. He was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018 for a second four-year term. However, constitutional amendments passed in a referendum in 2019 added two years to his second term, effectively allowing him to run for another term.
El-Sissi’s decision to run for a third term comes as a shock to some, as there had been speculation that he might step down and pave the way for new leadership in the country. However, the president’s supporters argue that his leadership has been instrumental in bringing stability and security to Egypt, and that he is the best person to continue leading the country during these challenging times.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that el-Sissi’s presidency has been marked by a crackdown on dissent and human rights abuses. They argue that his decision to run for a third term is a sign of his authoritarian tendencies and a disregard for democratic principles.
While the announcement has been met with mixed reactions, it is clear that el-Sissi still has a strong base of support in the country. His supporters point to his efforts in combating terrorism and improving the economy as reasons why he should continue leading Egypt.
According to political analyst Ahmed Abou El-Gheit, “El-Sissi’s decision to run for a third term is not surprising given the current political climate in Egypt. There is a sense among his supporters that he is the best person to ensure stability and security in the country.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Human rights activist Sarah Ahmed argues that “Egypt needs fresh leadership and a new direction. El-Sissi’s decision to run for a third term only reinforces the perception that he is not interested in true democracy and is more concerned with consolidating his own power.”
It remains to be seen how the Egyptian people will respond to el-Sissi’s decision to run for a third term. The presidential elections are scheduled to take place in 2024, and it will be interesting to see if any viable challengers emerge.
In the meantime, el-Sissi’s announcement has once again brought the spotlight onto Egypt’s political landscape. Whether this move will be seen as a continuation of stability or a further erosion of democratic principles will likely be a point of contention in the coming months and years.