Mohamed Morsi Declared Winner of Egypt’s Presidential Election

On June 24, 2012, Mohamed Morsi was declared the winner of Egypt’s presidential election, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history as he became the first democratically elected president. This event was a pivotal moment in the aftermath of the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, which was part of the broader Arab Spring movement that swept across the Middle East and North Africa.

Context Leading Up to the Election

• The Egyptian Revolution of 2011: The revolution began on January 25, 2011, with mass protests demanding the end of President Hosni Mubarak’s nearly 30-year rule. The protests were driven by widespread grievances over police brutality, political corruption, economic issues, and the lack of freedom of speech.

• Mubarak’s Resignation: On February 11, 2011, Mubarak resigned, and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) assumed control, promising a transition to democratic governance.

• Political Transition: The period following Mubarak’s resignation was marked by political uncertainty and continued protests. The SCAF faced criticism for its handling of the transition, including delays in elections and concerns over military influence in politics.

The Presidential Election

• Candidates: The presidential election was held in two rounds. The first round took place on May 23-24, 2012, with multiple candidates, including Ahmed Shafik, a former prime minister under Mubarak, and Mohamed Morsi, representing the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party.

• Runoff Election: As no candidate secured an outright majority, a runoff election was held on June 16-17, 2012, between Morsi and Shafik.

• Election Results: On June 24, 2012, Egypt’s election commission announced that Mohamed Morsi had won the runoff with approximately 51.7% of the vote, defeating Ahmed Shafik.

Significance and Aftermath

• Historical Significance: Morsi’s victory was historic as it represented the first time Egypt had elected a president through a democratic process. It was seen as a triumph for the revolutionaries who had demanded democratic reforms.

• Challenges in Office: Morsi’s presidency faced numerous challenges, including political polarization, economic difficulties, and tensions with the military. His tenure was marked by controversy over his attempts to consolidate power and the drafting of a new constitution.

• Overthrow: On July 3, 2013, following mass protests against his rule, Morsi was ousted by the military, led by General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. This event led to a period of political turmoil and a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood.

• Legacy: Morsi’s presidency remains a contentious period in Egypt’s history, reflecting the complexities and challenges of transitioning from authoritarian rule to democracy.

Mohamed Morsi’s election as president was a landmark event in Egypt’s modern history, symbolizing both the aspirations and the difficulties of democratic transition in the post-Arab Spring era.