Last challenger to Egypt’s Sisi withdraws from presidential race

by WorldTribune Staff, January 25, 2018

The withdrawal of the last main challenger to Egyptian President Abdul Fatah Sisi all but sews up a certain landslide victory for the incumbent.

Khaled Ali

Rights lawyer Khaled Ali withdrew from the presidential race on Jan. 24, a day after former military chief of staff Sami Anan, considered Sisi’s top challenger, was arrested.

The army accused Anan of breaking the law by running for office without permission.

Sisi may end up being the sole candidate when the presidential vote is held March 26-28.

Sisi was elected president in 2014, a year after he led Egypt’s army in ousting Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.

In the announcement of his dropping out of the race, Ali said his supporters were being intimidated and the electoral process was corrupt.

“People’s confidence in the possibility of transforming electoral gains into a chance for a new beginning, has unfortunately, in our view, for now ended,” Ali said at a news conference in Cairo. “We announce our decision not to enter this race.”

Other candidates have until Jan. 29 to register before a final list is announced on Feb. 20.


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