( CNN ) -- Egypt 's next president will have to work hand in hand with a complex bureaucratic structure that has been in a state of transition for the past three years . There are many serious security and socio-economic challenges , and there is no one person who can solve them alone . The success of the next president necessitates the full support and cooperation of the military , state bureaucracy and the majority of the population to be able to deliver to a polity with high expectations . At this juncture of Egypt 's post-Mubarak story , only former army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has emerged as a candidate who enjoys both the support of the state and the street . He has become a symbol of hope for millions of Egyptians , and does present an opportunity to move the country forward amidst difficult times . Of course , his success is not guaranteed , but his strong connection to Egypt 's most influential institutions serves as a positive asset that sets him apart from other candidates . If elected , he will definitely be more capable than others in maneuvering through the multifaceted bureaucracy to get things done and undertake necessary tough decisions . For some Western observers it is difficult to comprehend why people would mobilize behind a former military general . The reason behind this reality is simple ; the military institution remains the most respected and most popular state institution in the country . 'Disciplined strongman ' Most Egyptian families have a loved-one who has served in the military , fostering a special bond between the people and its armed forces . Three years of political transition , including a devastating year of Muslim Brotherhood rule , prompted many Egyptians to long for a disciplined strongman who can guide the country towards security and stability . One of the core domestic constituencies behind el-Sisi 's presidential bid have been women and Christians , who actually suffered the most during the short-lived reign of the Brotherhood . Thus nowadays , we see them more vocal and engaged in the political arena and in support of an el-Sisi presidency . Even the head of the Coptic Church in Egypt , Pope Tawadros II , has endorsed el-Sisi 's presidential bid , not surprising , especially after Muslim Brotherhood supporters were blamed for attacks on scores of churches around the country as deadly clashes took place in Cairo last August . The Muslim Brotherhood itself said at the time that it did not support attacks on houses of worship . The strong backing of the Gulf countries , foremost by Saudi Arabia , UAE and Kuwait , also strengthens the positive prospects of an el-Sisi presidency . This significant regional support has provided international political backing and opened the door for new economic and security cooperation initiatives . We have already seen multi-billion dollar economic packages and an arms deal , and much more would follow after an election victory by el-Sisi . The Gulf support has been key for the Egyptian armed forces and their ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the Sinai and to preserve national security . The issue of security has become the number one priority for Egyptian voters , and would pose the main challenge for an el-Sisi presidency . However , his professional years in the intelligence community and military give him an edge over candidates who have never worked in the security apparatus . If el-Sisi can not address nor solve the security threats facing Egyptians , then it is unlikely anyone else could . The odds are in favor of el-Sisi , but it will not be an easy task with a defiant Muslim Brotherhood that has rejected the current status quo . The violent path adopted by supporters of the Brotherhood and its sister organizations can not win over the military and persuade the majority of Egyptians to turn back the clock . It has only succeeded in generating an ugly atmosphere by seeking to undermine the political system . They are violently contesting and expressing their political grievances , which will not change the new reality on the ground . Opportunities for future . In comparison with the political upheaval in Syria , Iraq , Libya , Yemen , and other places in the Middle East , Egypt still seems better off . One thing is for sure ; that the inclusion of the Brotherhood in the political system does not yield for a more stable political system , as demonstrated by their short stint in power . Egypt 's political transition towards a flourishing , consolidated democracy will take time . There will be many obstacles and setbacks on the way , but there are enormous opportunities for Egypt 's future . It only will be Egyptians who can determine their own domestic political destiny without outside interference , and they will never allow nor accept another Mubarak-like regime . The barrier of fear has been broken , and the first seeds of a pluralistic political society have been planted . Egypt has changed and the rules of the political game have as well . An el-Sisi presidency would have to be in tune to the new political dynamics in Egypt . So far , el-Sisi has proven to be a leader who has been able to adapt to a fast-changing political environment . As defense minister and deputy prime minister , he was directly exposed to the serious challenges facing the country , making him fully aware of the magnitude of the task at hand . For many Egyptians , there is no alternative but el-Sisi , he represents hope and the light at the end of the tunnel , but his success will depend on his ability to deliver . Read more : El-Sisi announces presidential bid . Opinion : West needs to realize Egypt 's el-Sisi is a liability . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Adel el-Adawy .
Field Marshal Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has resigned from Egypt 's armed forces to run for president . Adel El-Adawy says el-Sisi enjoys the support of the state and of the street . El-Sisi 's presidencial bid is strengthened by the support of Egypt 's Gulf allies , he says . But El-Adawy says el-Sisi 's success as president would still depend on his ability to deliver .