President Sisi and democracy in Egypt

With the presidential election in Egypt taking place in a few days, it's now looking like Mr Sisi, who has no credible opponent, is assured of a landslide to begin a second four-year term.

In a strange development, the Egyptian leader has announced that it was not his fault that seven potential rivals had been jailed or had withdrawn their candidacies.




One of his two most credible opponents, however, Sami Anan, the former chief of staff, is still being held in a military prison for announcing his candidature without informing the army of his intention to run.

Mr Sisi’s other main opponent, Ahmed Shafiq, a former prime minister, disappeared soon after announcing his intention to stand.  He then appeared on Egyptian television to withdraw.