Cairo, Egypt – In a surprising announcement today, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi declared his intention to run for a third term in the upcoming presidential elections. The announcement comes amidst a growing economic crisis in the country, which has left many Egyptians struggling to make ends meet.
President al-Sissi made the announcement during a nationally televised address, where he cited the need for stability and continuity in these challenging times. He argued that his leadership has been instrumental in maintaining security and order in Egypt and that his continued tenure is necessary to address the country’s economic woes.
“I have decided to run for a third term as president to ensure the stability and prosperity of our great nation,” President al-Sissi stated. “Egypt has faced many challenges in recent years, and it is my duty to see us through these difficult times.”
The news was met with celebration by thousands of Egyptians who watched the speech on outdoor screens in several cities. Pro-government televisions broadcasted the scenes of jubilation following the announcement.
The election will be held over three days from December 10-12, with Egyptians living abroad able to cast their ballots from December 1-3. Candidacy registration will open on October 5. According to Egyptian media, around 65 million Egyptians are eligible to vote.
Al-Sissi first took office in 2014 after leading the army to depose Egypt’s democratically elected but divisive Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in 2013. He was re-elected in 2018. If he wins this election, he would rule the country for another six-year term.
However, his tenure has been marked by a crackdown on freedom of expression, with hundreds of activists and Islamists imprisoned or forced into exile. This has triggered outcry from human rights advocates. In recent months, the government has released dozens of detained dissidents.
(With inputs from agencies)
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