Egypt's President Sisi Secures Third Term Amidst Mounting Challenges

Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has won a third six-year term with 89.6% of the vote, allowing him to stay in power until 2030. The election saw low-profile candidates and the leading opposition candidate withdrawing due to intimidation and violence. The country's faltering economy and the war in Gaza were key issues. Critics argue that Sisi's focus on big infrastructure projects has drained economic resources and created high levels of debt, while nearly 30% of Egyptians live below the poverty line. Opposition groups face crackdowns, and human rights campaigners complain about tight security restrictions.