Head of the National Election Commission Lasheen Ibrahim speaks during a news conference in Cairo. Khaled Elfiqi / EPA
Head of the National Election Commission Lasheen Ibrahim speaks during a news conference in Cairo. Khaled Elfiqi / EPA
Head of the National Election Commission Lasheen Ibrahim speaks during a news conference in Cairo. Khaled Elfiqi / EPA
Head of the National Election Commission Lasheen Ibrahim speaks during a news conference in Cairo. Khaled Elfiqi / EPA

Egypt sets election date as potential El Sisi rivals are elbowed out of the race


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The first round of voting in Egypt's presidential election will take place on March 26-28 the country’s election commission said on Monday, though it is unclear who will run against the incumbent president Abdel Fattah El Sisi, widely thought to be pursuing a second term.

If one candidate receives more than 50 per cent of the votes the winner will be announced on April 2. If no candidate receives a majority, a run off election will take place. Egyptians abroad will vote March 16-18.

Government supporters have been putting up banners in a show of support for the general-turned-president Mr El Sisi, at times signing their names in public endorsement.

Mr El Sisi did not have a formal campaign in the 2014 elections, but supporters traveled the country and held rallies in his support. He was elected with 97 per cent of votes, after voting was extended by one day to encourage a greater turnout.

His most serious challenger so far, former premier and air force general Ahmed Shafiq, backed out of the presidential race on Sunday, saying that he had reconsidered.

After his defeat against former president Mohamed Morsi in the 2012 presidential elections, Mr Shafiq left for the UAE, where he announced his intention to run for president. After returning to Egypt on December 2 he stayed in a hotel rather than his home, where his family and lawyers said they had no news of him upon his arrival.

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Read more:

Former Egyptian prime minister retracts bid for presidency

Former Egyptian PM Ahmed Shafiq leaves UAE for Cairo

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Egyptian courts have barred at least one military candidate, Colonel Ahmed Konsowa, from running for president.

A military court sentenced colonel Konsowa to six years in prison for wearing his military uniform while voicing his political views and announcing his presidential aspirations in a video he posted online in November.

It is thought that lawyer and activist Khaled Ali may also be prevented from running.

In September a Giza court convicted Mr Ali, 45, of public indecency. Mr Ali allegedly made an improper gesture while celebrating his successful challenge of a government decision to transfer control of two Red Sea islands from Egypt to Saudi Arabia. He was sentenced to three months in prison and a 1,000 EGP (208Dhs) fine. Mr Ali is currently appealing the verdict.

According to independent daily Al-Tahrir, Mr Ali said in court that his charges stemmed from his attempt to run for president.

Dozens of riot police armed with batons and shotguns guarded a North Giza court as the proceedings unfolded.

The nephew of former president Anwar Sadat, Mohamed Anwar Sadat, is also set to run for president. Mr Sadat has submitted complaints to the electoral commission accusing security bodies of preventing him from organising electoral rallies and making official visits to members of parliament in order to gather the 20 signatures needed in order to be nominated.

Candidates must receive signatures from 20 members of parliament or 25,000 signatures from eligible voters in 15 governorates in order to be nominated, according to presidential elections law. The deadline for candidacy is January 29, giving presidential hopefuls a small window to fulfill the paperwork. According to the constitution elections must begin 120 days before the end of the current presidential term, which ends on June 2nd.

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

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Match info

Deccan Gladiators 87-8

Asif Khan 25, Dwayne Bravo 2-16

Maratha Arabians 89-2

Chadwick Walton 51 not out

Arabians won the final by eight wickets

How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

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Al Ghaf Honey

The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year

Sidr Honey

The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest

Samar Honey

The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
 
  • Grade 9 = above an A*
  • Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
  • Grade 7 = grade A
  • Grade 6 = just above a grade B
  • Grade 5 = between grades B and C
  • Grade 4 = grade C
  • Grade 3 = between grades D and E
  • Grade 2 = between grades E and F
  • Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

THE BIO

Age: 30

Favourite book: The Power of Habit

Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"

Favourite exercise: The snatch

Favourite colour: Blue

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder

Started: October 2021

Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Industry: technology, logistics

Investors: A15 and self-funded