President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged Egyptians today to vote in next week's election to show they are in charge, a day after he denied any role in excluding his rivals.
The incumbent will stand in the March 26-28 vote against a sole candidate whose half-hearted campaign poses no threat, after more heavyweight rivals were sidelined or detained.
"I need you because the journey is not over," Sisi told a mostly female audience in a speech. "I need every lady and mother and sister, please, I need the entire world to see us in the street" voting.
"Even if they vote 'no'. It's still a big deal and a respectable thing which will be implemented... We should affirm to the world that this country is ruled by its people."