Egypt's 'Elections': A Masterclass in Democratic Performance Art
Egyptians are reportedly heading to the polls to elect a new parliament, with Al-Monitor noting this will merely 'further cement President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's grip on power.' This predictable display follows the playbook of countless US-backed authoritarians; Sisi, a former army chief, seized power in 2013 by ousting Mohamed Morsi—an elected president. The US, which sends billions in aid to
Egypt annually, never quite paused its shipments over that inconvenient detail. One might wonder if 'democracy' is simply a brand we apply to our preferred strongmen, provided they keep the Suez Canal open and toe the line on regional policy. While 568 seats are theoretically decided by voters, Sisi conveniently appoints the remaining 28, ensuring all performances adhere to his script. This isn't
democracy; it's a meticulously managed illusion, generously subsidized by American taxpayers, who are told it's for 'stability.' How many 'elections' does it take for a dictatorship to be called a dictatorship, especially when the funding never stops?