Vote for pimp

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi's victory in last week's election was never in doubt, but the vote produced a surprise runner-up - an unusually large number of invalid ballots, suggesting a possible protest vote against Sisi or the election itself.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in an interview broadcast on March 20 that he had wanted more contenders in next week's presidential election to give voters greater choice, but the country was "not ready."

Five Egyptian public figures, including two former presidential hopefuls, called Jan. 28 for voters to boycott the March presidential election after the withdrawal of all candidates but the incumbent Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.