For the people of Egypt, the elections scheduled for August may still seem far away. However, the presence of political parties is already being felt—not through campaign promises or media debates, but through something more tangible: commercial stalls offering food at significantly lower prices. From downtown Cairo to small towns, these stalls have been popping up like mushrooms after rain—and the people of Egypt are not missing the opportunity.

Every day, new stalls open with prices far lower than those in traditional markets. Beef, which usually costs 450 Egyptian pounds (around $9) per kilogram in the market, can now be purchased for only 300 pounds (around $6) at these stalls. For one Egyptian citizen, this is a welcome relief amid skyrocketing prices of essential goods.

"These stalls feel like a glimmer of hope amidst the relentless inflation that keeps squeezing us," said one Egyptian citizen to The New Arab. "I just hope they remain open after the elections and are not just a tool to win votes."

A Windfall Before Ramadan

Ramadan is always a special month. Aside from religious observance, household expenses also surge as food demand increases. The tradition of breaking the fast with special meals nearly doubles grocery spending. Therefore, the emergence of these cheap stalls feels like a blessing arriving at just the right time.

A few days ago, the Nation’s Future Party distributed thousands of free food packages across various cities. The packages were emblazoned with the party's logo and a picture of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, but for the people of Egypt, that wasn’t a major concern—what mattered was that the contents were enough to sustain their families for a week. Other parties, such as the Republican People's Party, were also quick to follow suit. They opened a budget-friendly stall in Ayat, Giza, on February 21, selling staple goods at affordable prices. The next day, they distributed 21,000 food packages in Assiut. Two weeks earlier, they even organized free medical check-ups in a town in Giza. For many Egyptians struggling to make ends meet, these initiatives felt like unexpected gifts.

Cheap Today, Uncertain Tomorrow

The people of Egypt know that all of this is temporary. Once the elections are over, these stalls may disappear one by one, leaving them to once again grapple with soaring living costs. The government claims that inflation is starting to ease, but at the markets, consumers feel no significant difference. Nearly a third of Egypt's population lives below the poverty line, and these affordable stalls are merely a short-term solution that cannot truly address the country's broader economic issues.

For now, however, the people of Egypt will make the most of it. Being able to buy food at lower prices is an opportunity too valuable to pass up. As Said Sadek, a professor at the American University in Cairo, put it, this is all about “political capital.” Parties hope that when voters step into the polling booths, their names will be the first to come to mind. Perhaps they are right, but as long as Egyptians can save on expenses, they don’t mind being part of this political strategy.

Politics or Not, What Matters Is Financial Relief

This kind of political maneuver is nothing new. During the era of Hosni Mubarak, parties also handed out cheap goods or free services ahead of elections. The difference now is that they are doing it more openly—with large party logos displayed prominently, and budget-friendly stalls appearing across the country.

They must be spending a fortune on this effort. But according to Mohamed Abu Hemila, a senior member of the Republican People's Party, their goal is to "ease economic pressure" on the people. Whether they genuinely care or are simply executing a campaign strategy, the people of Egypt are not too concerned. What matters to them is that as long as these stalls exist, they will keep coming. As for their political choices? Perhaps they will support the party—or perhaps not. What’s certain is that, for now, they can breathe a little easier. For further information on how to get involved or learn more about the report's findings, contact Tradeasia International for insights and support.