Egyptians vote in overshadowed election

The victory would hand Mr Sisi a six-year term, in which immediate priorities will be to rein in near-record inflation, manage foreign currency shortages and contain the fallout from the war in the neighbouring Gaza territory.

Voting takes place from 9am to 9pm local time on Sunday, spanning three days, with results due to be announced on December 18.

A photo of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sis on the street. Photo: Reuters

Economic pressures have become a prominent issue for Egypt's population of 104 million, with some complaining that the government has prioritized expensive mega-projects while the country has taken on more debt and people have struggled with soaring prices.

“There are enough projects and infrastructure, we want prices to go down, we want the poor to eat and people to have a livelihood,” said Imad Atef, a vegetable seller in Cairo.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday it was in talks with Egypt to agree additional funding under a $3 billion loan program that has stalled due to delays in selling state assets and a commitment to move to a more flexible exchange rate.

“All signs are that we will move forward with reforms quite quickly according to the IMF plan after the elections,” said Hany Genena, chief economist at Cairo Financial Holding, an investment bank.

Mai Van (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nguoi-ai-cap-di-bau-cu-trong-moi-lo-ve-kinh-te-va-cuoc-chien-o-gaza-post275917.html