In Egypt, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has hinted he could run for a second term. His social media announcement has sparked a renewed debate on the elections in the country.
Abdel Fattah EL Sisi's intention to run for a second term is not official yet.But it's this Facebook status that's sparked the debate. In it, El Sisi says, 'I can never fail to respond to the will of Egyptians. I am subject to their demands if their will dictates that I run for another term, then that's what I will do."A post that's certainly pleased his supporters.
"There is no one better than El Sisi in the political arena. To me it's enough that he ensures our safety and security. Economically we're not doing well, but with all the projects taking place in the country, we should be more patient. I am, of course, with him to run for a second term," said Ragab Fathy, Cairo resident.
The president's popularity isn't what it was, though.And it has everything to do with the economy, and government performance.So, it's likely El Sisi will have to reshuffle his government should he want another term.
"We forgive him, because the country is in a tough situation after all, but we are also hopeful. We urge him to take care of the poor and middle class," said Haman Ali, Aswan resident.
"Life has become very expensive. Capitalists are controlling the inflation, but each minister must be judged for his actions. The government is very weak. It doesn't want to work with this man. I think if he's running for a second term he must change the cabinet," said Hareidy Abdel Aal, Sohag resident.
El Sisi won his first term in office last year with an astonishing 98 percent of the votes. And there's no other presidential candidate on the scene.
He may though find some competition ahead. The first man to bring up the preparations for the 2018 elections, was Essam Heggy, the former Education Advisor to interim President Adly Mansour.
Heggy is not running but he's working on a popular vision for the country that should be offered to AL Sisi's competitor, once someone gathers up the courage and announce running against the president.
