Egyptians young and old flocked to polling stations nationwide to do their national and constitutional duty during the three days of presidential elections, which kicked off on 10 December.
The high turnout was not due to unquestioning obedience. Rather, the reason was that Egyptians can distinguish between the one who works for the national interest and the one who does not. The best evidence was the June 30 Revolution, when Egyptians took to the streets to rebel against the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood and take back the country from the clutches of its enemies.
The latest elections came at a time when Egypt is grappling with huge challenges associated with national security. Sudan, Libya and Gaza are in severe crisis, in addition to Israeli bid to expel Palestinians and forcibly re-settle them in Sinai — an issue that has been categorically rejected by the Egyptian leadership.
Meanwhile, Egypt is undergoing nationwide development as the government is making efforts to improve quality of life and provide a decent housing, healthcare and education, not to mention the package of economic aid for the most vulnerable in society to lighten their financial burdens amid global economic challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
With these issues in mind, the Egyptians wholeheartedly participated in the elections to choose the one who can lead the nation for the next six years.
They have seen the enormous achievements across the country during the last ten years and that they aspire to further accomplishments.
The massive turnout showed the world that Egyptians support the leadership of their country and the decisions made to face challenges and continue development. The turnout was a rebuttal to the foreign media that spread misleading news reports that Egyptians would boycott the ballot since the final result was a foregone conclusion: President Abel Fattah El Sisi would surely win due to his popularity.
That voters came out in huge numbers proved the reports groundless.
Mohamed Fahmy is the editor-in chief of The Egyptian Gazette and
Egyptian Mail newspapers
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