CAIRO, EGYPT – Democracy International today announced the preliminary findings of its observation of Egypt’s recent presidential election. After Egypt’s constitutional referendum process, Democracy International called for the interim government to end repression and support a more inclusive political environment before subsequent elections. Unfortunately, although Egypt’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech and association, continued suppression of political dissent and restrictions on fundamental freedoms have prevented free political participation and severely compromised the broader electoral environment.

“Egypt’s repressive political environment made a genuinely democratic presidential election impossible,” said Eric Bjornlund, president of Democracy International. “Democratic progress cannot be achieved at the expense of human rights. The Egyptian government should take immediate action to open political space and put an end to the political exclusion and intimidation that have characterized this process.”

Citizen enthusiasm was dampened by the widespread perception that this election was not meaningful and that its results were predetermined. Throughout this election process, both state and private media have engaged in a relentless campaign to bolster turnout, often equating abstention with treason and stigmatizing those with opinions differing from the state narrative. DI found no impediments to voting that would justify the decision of the Presidential Election Commission late on the second election day to extend voting for a third day. As Democracy International said in a statement on May 28, last-minute decisions about important election procedures, such as the decision to extend polling by an additional day, should be made only in extraordinary circumstances.

Meaningful political progress in Egypt will depend in part on the willingness and ability of opposing political forces to participate peacefully in a political process. The new president and government should seek opportunities to engage its opponents in dialogue, including those currently excluded from the political sphere.

Since the events of summer 2013, Egypt has pursued a transitional roadmap without regard for basic political rights. If Egypt continues on this trajectory, it will further entrench the polarization of Egyptian society. Genuine democracy is the only path to long-term stability. For Egypt to move forward, its leaders will need to use the coming days as an opportunity to embrace political inclusion and to reorient the country toward broad respect for human rights and effective, democratic institutions that are viewed across the society as legitimate.

U.S.-based Democracy International provides analytical services, technical assistance, and project implementation for democracy and governance programs worldwide. Since its founding in 2003, DI has worked in 70 countries. DI conducted comprehensive election observation programs in Afghanistan for presidential elections in 2009 and parliamentary elections in 2010 and has maintained a presence and conducted programs in the country continuously since 2009. DI has also conducted election observation missions and election-assistance programs in Albania, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ghana, Indonesia, Liberia, Pakistan, Sudan and South Sudan.

For more information, contact: +1.301.961.1660 press@democracyinternational.com