Egypt elections: turnout low as voters go to the polls
President Sisi's camp looks set to dominate elections thanks to a weak opposition
Egypt's parliamentary elections are underway, with voter turnout extremely low so far. The two-part elections started on Sunday and will go on throughout today, with polls open in 14 of Egypt's 27 governorates – the other 13 will vote on 21 November.
Should the elections be conclusive, Egypt will have its first parliament in three years this December (the last parliament dissolved in June 2012 after previous elections were deemed unconstitutional). Since then, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has held all legislative powers.
Previous election troubles and the ousting of the democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi in 2013 have meant that people's faith in the election process and in Egypt's president Sisi has turned sour. Polling stations appear to back this up, with numbers from Sunday barely reaching ten per cent, says The Guardian. "With an absence of opposition parties – such as the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood, which has faced a deadly government crackdown overseen by Sisi – the poll has not inspired the enthusiasm witnessed for Egypt's first democratic elections in 2011," says the newspaper.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In Al-Ahram, Egypt's widely read government-owned newspaper, one voter asks: "Why would I want to take part in this fake electoral process that is designed only to make the president, who came to power by removing an elected president, look legitimate?"
Even so, says the BBC, nobody is expecting anything less than a "resounding" win for a parliament loyal to Sisi. "While many candidates are standing as 'independents', they're likely to be loyal to one of the coalitions which will dominate the new parliament," it says.
The new parliament will have more legislative powers than before, including a prime minister veto, but with opposition weak, president Sisi won't encounter much resistance for his own agenda.
Despite the low turnout, police are still out in force throughout Egypt, for fear of disruptions from pro-Morsi supporters and Islamists. According to Al-Ahram, there are 120,000 police officers and central security forces for 18,945 polling stations, and 185,000 army personnel deployed throughout the country.
Currently, there is a 500 Egyptian pound (£40) fine for anyone who fails to vote without good reason, but many Egyptians remain sceptical about it being enforced.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Labour's Brexit conundrum
The Explainer Keir Starmer backs 'twin track' strategy – build closer security ties with EU while ruling out single market, customs union and free movement
By The Week UK Published
-
6 scenic white water rafting destinations to get your heart racing
The Week Recommends Have a rip-roaring time on the water
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Dangerous substances in Lunchables are raising concerns over children's health
In the Spotlight High levels of lead and sodium were recently found in the snack packages
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How powerful is Iran?
Today's big question Islamic republic is facing domestic dissent and 'economic peril' but has a vast military, dangerous allies and a nuclear threat
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
Speed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How green onions could swing South Korea's election
The Explainer Country's president has fallen foul of the oldest trick in the campaign book, not knowing the price of groceries
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's battle to save Kharkiv from Putin's drones
The Explainer Country's second-largest city has been under almost daily attacks since February amid claims Russia wants to make it uninhabitable
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
How close is Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal?
Today's Big Question Conflicting reports emerge from Cairo as pressure on Netanyahu increases
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
India elections 2024: the logistics of world's biggest vote
The Explainer More than 10% of the world's population is registered for a historic democratic exercise, with PM Modi likely to dominate again
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Erdogan set back in key regional elections
Speed Read The main opposition party flipped or held Turkey's biggest cities, including Istanbul
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published