Egyptians are waiting for the official results of the three-day elections held earlier this week which went smoothly, transparently, and resulted in the election of the new President of Egypt.
As soon as the people heard even the initial results being announced, they gathered in squares in cities throughout Egypt, especially in Cairo and Alexandria. The results indicated that Field Marshal Abdul Fatah Al Sisi has won the elections, receiving more than 23 million votes out of 25 million people who voted. His opponent, Mr. Hamdine Sabahi, received just less than one million votes, with another million votes for neither of the two candidates.
If we compare these initial election results with those of former President Mohammed Morsi we find Al Sisi received 10 million more votes than former President Morsi, although the same number of people voted in each time (25 million).
Many people held peaceful celebrations throughout the night in Tahrir square. They danced and carried the flag of Egypt and posters of Al Sisi. President Al Sisi was the charismatic figure who responded to the cry of millions of Egyptian people who demonstrated on the 30 June 2013 against Morsi. On 3 July 2013 Al Sisi removed Morsi from power and handed over the rule to a civil government. He risked his life to take this important decision and as a result he won the hearts of the majority of Egyptians.
Most of the voters went to the poles on the second and third days of voting. However, young people were reluctant to vote because they were worried that the rule of Al Sisi will be similar to that of former President Hosni Mubarak who was also from a military background.
I personally think that President Al Sisi is the right choice at this time because Egypt needs a president who can reestablish the security of the country. Without security, tourism and the economic situation will not improve. The new president has to work hard in order to meet the many challenges that are facing Egypt, including the financial situation and the concerns of those who think that Egypt will be ruled in a military-like way.
Please pray for Egypt and the new President so that we cross over this difficult time into more stability.
+ Mouneer Egypt
The Most Rev. Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis
Bishop of Episcopal / Anglican Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa
President Bishop of the Episcopal / Anglican Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
