Berlin, September 26, 2023
Law and Democracy Support Foundation monitored a wave of violations and systematic repression against Egyptian citizens during the launch of the presidential elections process in Egypt, both inside and outside the country.
LDSF monitored the following:
1- Refusal to issue endorsements in Notary offices in Cairo, Alexandria, and Algharbia:
In the Cairo Governorate, six Notary offices in Nasr City, Rehab, Obour, Masaken Ain Shams, Heliopolis, and Rod El Farag areas refused to issue endorsements for the potential presidential candidate Ahmed El-Tantawy. Additionally, four Notary offices in Alexandria Governorate also refused to issue endorsements for El-Tantawy. while one citizen in Algharbia Governorate was prevented from issuing endorsements for El-Tantawy.
2- Assaults and threats in Cairo:
The coordinator of El-Tantawy’s campaign in Obour City reported being threatened, pursued, and photographed by employees of the Notary office, which led him to leave the place after being prevented from issuing endorsements for El-Tantawy. Three citizens were also prevented from issuing endorsements in Rod El-Fajr and were physically assaulted by individuals wearing T-shirts bearing the logo of the Future Homeland Party. The coordinator of El-Tantawy’s campaign in Masaken Ain Shams was similarly assaulted and beaten, and he too was prevented from issuing endorsements for El-Tantawy afterward.
3- Refusal to issue endorsements in two Egyptian embassies:
Repression extended beyond Egyptian borders as the Egyptian embassies in Berlin and Saudi Arabia also refused to issue endorsements to citizens who wished to support El-Tantawy.
According to Egyptian law, presidential candidates must secure endorsements from 20 MPs or 25,000 registered voters across at least 15 governorates, with a minimum of 1,000 endorsements from each governorate.
