Sisi runs for president in Nasser’s shadow
Is Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as “Nasserist” as “Nasserists” wish?
On March 26, Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced his retirement from military service and his candidacy in Egypt’s presidential elections.
In a televised address that same day, Sisi said that it was his last day in military uniform after spending his "entire life" serving the country as a soldier. Possibly in response to critics who consider his candidacy anti-democratic, he said, “Never can anyone force Egyptians to vote for a president they do not want. Therefore, I am here before you humbly stating my intention to run for the presidency.” He added, “Only your support will grant me this great honor.” And while social networks saw many criticizing him for using state media to announce his candidacy, many Egyptians cheered upon hearing the news, which they had long waited for.
