The role of the President in Egypt is crucial, serving as the head of the executive authority, overseeing the interests of the people, maintaining national unity, and preserving the nation's territorial integrity.
Ali Hassan, the journalist and head of the Middle East News Agency, has underscored the multiple assurances in place to guarantee the integrity of the upcoming Egyptian presidential elections. Emphasizing the need for the results to truly reflect the will of the electorate, Hassan urged Egyptian citizens to actively participate by heading to polling centers and casting their votes.
Hassan's remarks came during his participation in the "Your Vote, Your Future - Engage and Participate" seminar organized by the Media Assembly of Zagazig, affiliated with the General Authority for Information, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at Zagazig University. The event was attended by Dr. Mamdouh El-Maslemi, the dean of the faculty, Dr. Medhat Ghoneim, the vice dean for education and student affairs, and Dusouki Abdullah, the director-general of the East Delta Media Administration, along with a large number of students and attendees.
"In the face of challenging international and regional circumstances, especially following the aggressive Israeli attacks on the Palestinian people in Gaza, Egyptians, known for their awareness and national responsibility, must ensure active participation. We need to convey to the world the choice of the president who will lead us, safeguard our security, peace, stability, and contribute to the nation's development," Hassan stated.
The role of the President in Egypt is crucial, serving as the head of the executive authority, overseeing the interests of the people, maintaining national unity, and preserving the nation's territorial integrity. Hassan stressed that Egypt is a "state of institutions," governed by constitutional and legal principles, with the sole responsibility for election oversight entrusted to the National Elections Authority. The process will be under the full judicial supervision, with collaboration from all relevant state authorities.
Hassan highlighted several guarantees surrounding the upcoming electoral process to ensure its integrity. These include having a judge at each ballot box, the presence of representatives from each candidate within the committee, and active monitoring by representatives of Egyptian and foreign civil society organizations. The media coverage will also play a crucial role, involving local, Arab, and international outlets.
He pointed out the significant international interest in Egypt's presidential elections, considering Egypt's pivotal and influential position in addressing regional and global challenges. Hassan emphasized the complete independence of Egypt's national will.
Encouraging citizen participation, Hassan stated, "Voting in elections is a right guaranteed by the constitution for every citizen aged 18 and above. It reflects the citizen's freedom, with the highest expression being the political freedom to choose the head of state. It is both a right and a duty for all of us."
"Over the past years, we have witnessed numerous achievements in Egypt, and we look forward to more for our people. We must choose a president capable of continuing this progress while finding scientific solutions to economic challenges posed by difficult external conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russo-Ukrainian war, and the recent aggression on Gaza," he added.
Hassan also touched upon Egypt's successful achievement of self-sufficiency in various strategic goods, including rice, and the upcoming self-sufficiency in wheat within the next one to two years. Efforts to revitalize struggling factories, attract foreign investments, increase exports, and boost the tourism sector were also highlighted. He mentioned that Egypt has attracted around 15 million tourists so far, with expectations to reach 23 million tourists in the coming years.
In conclusion, Hassan emphasized the significant efforts being made across various fields to uplift and develop Egypt comprehensively. He reiterated that the primary goal of all these efforts is the Egyptian citizen, who remains at the center of the state's role and focus.
Referring to the "Decent Life" initiative, Hassan highlighted its impact on covering developmental projects in most villages across all governorates, moving beyond the focus on Greater Cairo and provincial capitals. The initiative also involves extensive efforts to eliminate informal settlements and provide affordable housing for low-income citizens, aiming to ensure a decent life for every citizen in Egypt.
Touching upon the Israeli aggression on Gaza, Hassan affirmed Egypt's clear stance, as expressed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, rejecting all plans to settle the Palestinian issue forcefully. The President emphasized that Egypt will not compromise an inch of Sinai's land. Hassan noted the strong and honorable national stance, supported by Egyptians across all segments of society, in favor of President El-Sisi and entrusting him with decisions to preserve Egypt's national security.
