Analysts have said that -- in order to demonstrate his legitimacy -- el-Sisi would want to beat the turnout rate of the 2012 presidential elections , which was 46 % in the first round and increased to 51.8 % . NEW : Losing candidate concedes defeat , challenges the `` credibility of the vote . " Comment: The election is over and you have to accept it as a result. : Report : Turnout was 48 % , below the figure for the last round of the 2012 vote . NEW : Interim president cancels pardons of 52 Islamists , including Brotherhood leaders . Ex-military chief El-Sisi won overwhelmingly , according to exit polls and state news .
NEW : Losing candidate concedes defeat , challenges the `` credibility of the vote . " Comment: The election is over and you have to accept it as a result. : Report : Turnout was 48 % , below the figure for the last round of the 2012 vote . NEW : Interim president cancels pardons of 52 Islamists , including Brotherhood leaders . Ex-military chief El-Sisi won overwhelmingly , according to exit polls and state news .