Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has directed the National Elections Authority to cancel the ongoing parliamentary elections fully or in part if officials cannot confirm the true will of voters. This move comes amid reports of complaints and incidents during the first phase of voting on November 10 and 11, 2025, in Cairo and other areas.
Election Background and Schedule
Egypt’s 2025 parliamentary elections aim to fill seats in the House of Representatives. The process started under tight security and limited political participation, drawing criticism from human rights groups.
These elections follow years of political tension since El-Sisi took power in 2013. Past votes, like the 2019 referendum that extended his rule until 2030, faced claims of low turnout and manipulation. This year, the National Elections Authority set a two-phase schedule to elect 568 members, with 28 more appointed by the president.
The first phase covered 14 governorates, including Cairo and Alexandria. Voters chose from individual candidates and party lists. Turnout appeared low, with some reports estimating under 20 percent participation.
Officials planned the second phase for November 24 and 25 in the remaining governorates. Runoffs, if needed, could happen in December. The new parliament will shape laws on economy and security amid Egypt’s ongoing challenges like inflation and foreign debt.
Details of Sisi’s Directive
President El-Sisi issued his statement on November 17, 2025, urging a full review of appeals. He stressed transparency to reveal the real voter intent.
In his message, El-Sisi asked the authority to give candidates’ representatives copies of vote tallies from all sub-committees. He also called for public announcements on actions against campaign violations.
This directive targets issues in several districts where individual candidates competed. El-Sisi made it clear that if voter will remains unclear, cancellation is the right step. Analysts see this as a rare admission of potential flaws in Egypt’s electoral system.
The president has a history of strong control over elections. His 2014 presidential win with over 96 percent of votes and the 2015 parliamentary polls, dominated by loyalists, set the tone for limited opposition.
Experts note that El-Sisi’s move might aim to maintain public trust amid economic pressures. Egypt’s inflation hit 35 percent in 2025, fueling discontent.
Reported Irregularities and Complaints
Voters and candidates raised concerns about the first phase. Common issues included vote buying, intimidation, and problems with ballot verification.
Human rights organizations reported restrictions on independent monitoring. Some observers claimed security forces influenced polling stations.
Here are key complaints highlighted in recent reports:
- Delays in opening polling stations in urban areas.
- Allegations of pre-marked ballots in favor of pro-government candidates.
- Limited access for opposition figures to campaign freely.
- Low voter turnout linked to apathy and economic hardships.
A table below outlines major incidents by governorate based on authority filings:
| Governorate | Number of Complaints | Main Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 45 | Vote tampering claims |
| Alexandria | 32 | Intimidation reports |
| Giza | 28 | Ballot access problems |
| Suez | 15 | Campaign violations |
These figures come from official appeals filed by November 18, 2025. The authority promised investigations, but critics doubt quick resolutions.
Opposition groups, including some barred from running, called the process a farce. They point to arrests of activists before voting started.
Potential Impacts on Egypt’s Politics
A cancellation could delay the new parliament’s formation, affecting lawmaking on key issues like subsidies and foreign aid.
If only partial, it might lead to reruns in affected districts, extending the timeline into 2026. This could boost opposition voices, though many remain skeptical of real change.
Economically, uncertainty might shake investor confidence. Egypt relies on IMF loans and Gulf support, tied to reforms.
On the global stage, this echoes past criticisms from the U.S. and EU about democratic backsliding. Recent meetings, like El-Sisi’s talks with European leaders in October 2025 on migration, show his regime’s international ties.
Reactions from Home and Abroad
Domestic reactions vary. Supporters praise El-Sisi for upholding fairness, while critics see it as a tactic to control outcomes.
Opposition figures on social media expressed doubt, calling for full transparency. One prominent voice noted that true reform needs open participation.
Internationally, watchdogs like Human Rights Watch urged independent probes. The U.S. State Department commented on the need for credible elections, tying it to aid discussions.
Public sentiment, from online posts, shows frustration with ongoing issues. Many Egyptians link electoral flaws to broader governance problems.
What Happens Next
The National Elections Authority must now investigate and decide by late November 2025. If no cancellation, the second phase proceeds as planned.
Observers expect updates soon, possibly including stricter rules for the next round. This situation tests Egypt’s commitment to fair voting amid calls for reform.
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