Egypt opposition slam Sisi for 'frightening' voters, undermining elections

An Egyptian opposition political coalition has slammed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for attempting to "frighten" voters in a speech this week.

The Civil Democratic Movement made the remarks in an online statement published on Friday, days after it called on voters to boycott the March presidential election.

"The attempt to link security to the president and him staying in office is some kind of attempt to spread fear among Egyptian voters," the statement said.

"This undermines the freedom and integrity of the elections," it added.

On Wednesday, Sisi gave a thinly veiled but stern warning to opposition politicians calling for a boycott the election, saying he would die first before allowing anyone to disrupt the country's security.

Sisi also said in the speech that he could call on Egyptians to take to the streets to give him a "mandate" in the face of "evil-doers".

The Civil Democratic Movement, which is comprised of eight opposition parties and some 150 pro-democracy public figures, has called for a boycott of the upcoming "farce" elections.

The coalition also harshly criticised the government's crackdown on potential presidential contenders, who have either been hobbled or have thrown in the towel, claiming the entire process was rigged.

Only one candidate has come forward - the head of Egypt's liberal Ghad party, Mussa Mustapha Mussa, who backs Sisi.

"Clearing the political space of candidates in the name of preserving security is unconstitutional and does not promote security," Friday's statement said.

"We affirm that states are not run by mandates and the mobilisation of supporters in orchestrated gatherings, but rather by constitutions and respect for freedoms," it added.

Sisi is virtually certain to win a second, four-year term.