Egypt: Opposition parties in Egypt have claimed that people trying to support candidates running against President Mr. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi have faced obstacles.
In a press conference, members of the Civil Democratic Movement (CDM) showcased people who shared incidents of being hindered in supporting candidates. Egypt’s National Election Authority stated they looked into the complaints and dismissed them as unfounded.
In Egypt’s election process, candidates need support from a minimum of 25,000 public members across 15 different regions or backing from 20 parliament members. They must also register their candidacy by October 14, 2023.
Ms. Rania el-Sheik stated that she was attempting to register her support for former parliament member Mr. Ahmed Altantawy when a confrontation, which she attributed to “thugs,” erupted at the notary’s office. Altantawy is presently the leading figure intending to run against Mr. el-Sisi.
Ms. El-Sheik mentioned that a woman grabbed her hair, and a male colleague was struck during the incident. Additionally, she stated that others were denied registration when they attempted to show their support.
“In every place, public employees have pre-determined reasons: the system is down, the internet isn’t working, the power is cut, your ID card isn’t showing for us,” Ms. El-Sheik said.
Altantawy’s campaign has raised concerns that individuals attempting to express support for him have faced obstacles. They claim that over 80 of his supporters have been taken into custody.
Mr. Magdy Hamdan, an official from the Conservative Party, shared that he was prevented from submitting his endorsement at one notary’s office.
When he attempted to go to another office, a group of men brought in waste collectors and beggars and started spraying them, and him with water.
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