Sisi to contest Egypt presidential poll virtually unopposed

Abdel Fatah al-Sisi is to contest next month’s presidential election virtually unopposed and facing only one other candidiate – the leader of a pro-Sisi party and has already expressed support for the incumbent to continue in his job.

The deadline for nominations passed on Monday with only Sisi and Mussa Mustapha Mussa, of Egypt’s liberal al-Ghad party, confirmed as candidates.

Several other hopefuls had announced, but then quickly withdrew, their nominations under pressure amid threats of prosecution from the Egyptian state.

Mussa’s candidacy was announced only hours before the midday nomination deadline – but given that he backs the president, his candidacy would appear to ensure that Sisi will not be the only name on the ballot on 26 March.

Early on Monday, Mussa’s Facebook page carried a portrait of the president, with the statement “Long live Egypt: Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for president.”

Read the whole story from Middle East Eye.

Featured image courtesy of AP