In the narrow, bustling streets of Cairo's ancient Gamaliya neighbourhood, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is a hometown hero.
His supporters see him as a saviour -- who can end the political turmoil dogging the country since a popular uprising ended Hosni Mubarak's rule in 2011.
They point to the humble beginnings of the man now on the verge of becoming Egypt's next head of state.
A local barber says Sisi is just what the country needs.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) BARBER, AM SAEED, SAYING:
"What we need now is a leader, a military man, because that is who would rule the country well. Nothing but a military man will do. Did we get rid of Mursi to just bring in another like him? That doesn't work. What we need is the man who rescued the country. The man who truly rescued the country when it was drowning is Abdel Fattah al-Sisi."
But even his supporters worry that Egyptian voters could turn on him if he doesn't quickly improve their lot.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FORM
