Egypt vote a ‘Sisi vs Sabbahi’ contest
22 April 2014 5:18 AM IST
Cairo: Egypt’s presidential election has turned into a contest between the ex-army chief lauded by millions for ousting an Islamist government and a leftist who claims to represent the ideals of the 2011 uprising.
Former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is the frontrunner in the May 26-27 vote, riding a wave of popularity after deposing Mohamed Morsi, the country’s first elected and civilian president.
Sisi’s sole rival is Hamdeen Sabbahi, who came third in the 2012 election which Morsi won, and is seen by supporters as the only leader representing the aspirations of those who revolted against the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood will not feature in the election. Not only is it boycotting the vote, but it has also been blacklisted as a ‘terrorist’ organisation amid a brutal crackdown by the military-installed authorities, despite sweeping all elections since Mubarak’s fall.
The movement’s top leaders are behind bars, and its members are blocked from contesting any poll. agencies
Former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is the frontrunner in the May 26-27 vote, riding a wave of popularity after deposing Mohamed Morsi, the country’s first elected and civilian president.
Sisi’s sole rival is Hamdeen Sabbahi, who came third in the 2012 election which Morsi won, and is seen by supporters as the only leader representing the aspirations of those who revolted against the dictatorship of Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood will not feature in the election. Not only is it boycotting the vote, but it has also been blacklisted as a ‘terrorist’ organisation amid a brutal crackdown by the military-installed authorities, despite sweeping all elections since Mubarak’s fall.
The movement’s top leaders are behind bars, and its members are blocked from contesting any poll. agencies
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