Egyptians vote in presidential election

By Nathan Morley

The incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi faces only nominal opposition as his only challenger Moussa Mostafa Moussa has been dubbed a ‘dummy candidate’ because of his known support for al-Sisi – it is an accusation he rejects.

Although al-Sisi is almost certain to win, critics charge him with overseeing a huge austerity drive, suppression of dissent and cracking down on free media.

However, he commands immense loyalty among his supporters who credit him with bringing stability back to a country which has been shaken by political and economic unrest.

Sisi shot to world prominence in 2014 when he retired from his military career, announcing that he would run as a candidate in the presidential election, which he won with a large majority.

The voting in this election will take three days, with the result expected to be announced soon after. There are sixty million people eligible to vote.

A large number of international organizations are observing, including the Arab League, African Union and Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.