Press Release
Edited by: Committee for Justice (CFJ)
Geneva, 22nd October 2023
The ‘Committee for Justice (CFJ)’ is participating in organizing an event on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, focusing on the Egyptian electoral process amidst the current social and political context.
Suppression of Opposition Voices:
The CFJ stressed that the political environment in Egypt is experiencing increasing division, which has resulted in the silencing of opposition voices and curbing political freedoms. The civil society also faces continuous attacks, especially against those who challenge corruption or the ideology of the authorities.
Elections as a Mere Formality:
The CFJ indicated that as a result, the upcoming presidential elections in Egypt have turned into mere formalities, lacking genuine representation of the diverse Egyptian society. The electoral process was marred by various violations targeting potential candidates and voters, along with manipulations to achieve specific results.
The CFJ drew attention to the criticism from both local and international observers, in addition to human rights organizations, concerning the electoral scene in Egypt. This criticism raises concerns about transparency, fairness, and the ability of opposition candidates to connect with voters. The CFJ reiterated that the exerting significant control exercised by Egyptian authorities and the ongoing suppression of the opposition cast shadows of doubt on the fairness and transparency of the upcoming elections.
The event, to be held on Tuesday, 24th October at 9 a.m. GMT in the Kololo hall at the International Conference Center in Arusha, Tanzania, is co-organized by the Committee for Justice (CFJ), Dignity, African Defenders, Defend Defenders and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights.
