Egypt Concludes Elections
Egypt has just concluded its second stage of parliamentary elections.
The country has been without a legislative body since the court dissolved it on constitutional grounds, in June 2012. At that time, the government was dominated by Islamists who were loyal to the ousted ex-President Morsi.
The current President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has held legislative power in the absence of a parliament and the new legislature is composed mostly of those who are compliant with or support El-Sisi.
The elections have been dominated by both violence and apathy. Recently Egypt’s Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a bombing in an hotel in North Sinai that killed seven people, including a number of judges overseeing the parliamentary elections who were staying there.
Polling has been lighter than expected, and many Egyptians have indicated their distrust and a feeling of apathy over the political process. The initial polling shows the liberal Free Egyptians party winning a majority of seats, with Islamists Nour party trailing behind.
The world now has to wait to see if and how El-Sisi and this new legislature will fulfill his pledge of setting Egypt on a “roadmap to democracy.”
- Pray for Egypt at this critical time, for peace following the elections, and for an acceptance of the results.
- Pray for President El-Sisi and his newly elected government, for wisdom as they seek the way forward, and for them to hold true to the promise to bring a greater freedom and democracy for all people in Egypt.
- Pray for the Egyptian church, as it faces growing pressure from the government and Islamic factions. Pray for unity, strength and protection, and for the spread of the Gospel through this nation.
1 Timothy 2 vs 1 – 2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Source: https://www.win1040.com/
