Egypt's President El-Sisi says he will stand for reelection

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. (AFP)

CAIRO: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said on Friday he will run for a second term in office in an election in March, which the former military commander is widely expected to win.
“Today ... I tell you frankly and transparently that I hope you would allow and accept my candidacy for the president’s post,” Sissi told a cheering crowd.
The vote will be held on March 26-28, with a run-off vote on April 24-26 if no candidate wins more than 50 percent in the first round. Candidates will register from Jan. 20 to 29.
In the televised announcement, Sissi listed Egypt’s achievements during his first term, including a nascent financial recovery after years of political turmoil and economic instability.
“Building the state takes 16 to 20 years, I am trying to finish it in 8 years, God willing,” Sissi said.
The former general became president in 2014, winning 96.91 percent of the vote, although turnout was only about 47 percent of the 54 million voters, after voting was extended for a day.