Sisi favourite at the start of Egypt presidential campaign
Campaigning started yesterday for Egypt’s presidential election, with incumbent Abdel Fattah El Sisi likely to win in the absence of a serious challenger.
The former army chief will face the head of the liberal Ghad party, Mussa Mussa, after other contenders withdrew or were arrested ahead of the polls, to be held between March 26 and 28.
In January, a coalition of eight opposition parties and 150 public figures called for a boycott of the election, which they said was a charade.
Mr Mussa is little known by the public and was earlier a supporter of Mr El Sisi.
Egypt’s National Election Authority has urged the media to be objective and has banned government officials from “trying to influence the outcome of the election, positively or negatively”.
Mr El Sisi’s campaign spokesman, Mohamed Abu Shukka, yesterday said campaigners would canvass doorto-door to encourage people to vote. They would visit factories and farms to explain the importance of taking part in the election, even if Mr El Sisi is seen “as the favourite candidate”, said Mr Abu Shukka.
Banners by Sisi supporters are strung across the streets, and his every move receives media coverage.
Before becoming president in 2013, Mr El Sisi led the military in ousting the now banned Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohammed Morsi.
Among key figures detained ahead of the March polls were Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh, a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, and former army chief of staff Sami Anan.
Mr Abul Fotouh, who joined the call to boycott the election, was put on a terror list and accused of spreading false news that could harm Egypt’s interests.
The army detained Mr Anan, the most credible rival to Mr El Sisi, saying he announced his candidacy illegally when still a registered officer.