During the evening of Tuesday 3 April, an EU spokesperson said the EU "took note" of the results of the presidential election of 26 to 28 March.
This election saw the unsurprising re-election of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with over 97% of the vote. The only other candidate, Mousa Mostafa Mousa, is an al-Sisi supporter and his running prevented transforming the election into a plebiscite for al-Sisi. Other potential candidates were imprisoned or discouraged from participating in the election. The turnout rate was 41.05%.
The EU spokesperson did not congratulate al-Sisi but simply stated that Egypt is "an important partner for the EU". "We will continue to support the country's sustainable stability and development, building on the ongoing constructive dialogue under our joint partnership priorities", the spokesperson added in a response sent to EUROPE.
Human rights highlighted
The spokesperson took advantage of the opportunity to highlight respect for human rights. "Respect for civil liberties and the rule of law is an essential part of the foundations of a democratic society, in line with Egypt's constitutional provisions and international obligations", the spokesperson said. "It is our firm conviction that democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms are crucial for achieving sustainable stability, especially in the context of the many challenges that Egypt is facing", the spokesperson added.
Similarly, while the EU "fully" recognises Cairo's efforts to address the serious security challenges the country is facing, the spokesperson reiterated "the need" to tackle these challenges "in full respect of international human rights standards and fundamental freedoms".
According to the Amnesty International 2017/2018 report on Egypt, the human rights crisis continued unabated. The report mentions acts of torture, abuse and enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, increased repression of civil society (human rights activists and journalists), and the partiality of justice. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)