June 23
Nasser Elected First President of Republic of Egypt
Egyptian voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution and elected Gamal Abdel Nasser as the country's first president in a referendum that formalized his leadership after years of behind-the-scenes consolidation.
Summary
Following the 1952 military coup that overthrew the monarchy, Egypt transitioned toward a republic under the leadership of the Revolutionary Command Council. Gamal Abdel Nasser emerged as the dominant figure, having consolidated power after sidelining other officers. On June 23, 1956, Egyptian voters approved a new constitution and elected Nasser as president in a referendum where he ran unopposed, receiving 99.95 percent of the vote. The ballot also ratified the republican framework that emphasized Arab nationalism and social reforms. Nasser's election formalized his rule and set the stage for major policies including the nationalization of the Suez Canal later that year.
Context
The 1952 coup by the Free Officers Movement ended the reign of King Farouk and placed real authority in the hands of the Revolutionary Command Council, initially chaired by Mohamed Naguib with Nasser as a leading member. The monarchy was abolished and a republic declared in 1953, but political parties were dissolved the same year and replaced by the state-sponsored Liberation Rally to mobilize popular support. Nasser steadily expanded his influence within the officer-led regime, sidelining Naguib in 1954 after disputes over the pace of reform and relations with opposition groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood.
What Happened
On June 23, 1956, Egyptians went to the polls in a double referendum on Nasser's candidacy for president and a draft constitution prepared by a committee he had appointed. Nasser, the sole candidate nominated by the Liberation Rally, faced no opposition. Official results showed 99.9 percent approval for his presidency and 99.82 percent for the constitution, with turnout exceeding 94 percent of the roughly 5.86 million registered voters. The new charter established Egypt as a one-party socialist republic with Islam as the state religion and concentrated executive power in the presidency.
Aftermath
Nasser's formal election removed any lingering ambiguity about his authority and allowed him to pursue an assertive foreign policy. Within weeks he nationalized the Suez Canal Company, triggering the Suez Crisis later that year when Britain, France, and Israel launched a coordinated military response. Domestically, the regime used the mandate to reorganize the single party into the National Union and tighten control over political life.
Legacy
The 1956 vote cemented Nasser's image as the embodiment of Arab nationalism and anti-colonialism, positioning Egypt at the center of the Non-Aligned Movement and inspiring similar movements across Africa and the Middle East. His long rule until 1970 shaped Egypt's institutions, foreign alignments, and commitment to state-led development, while the referendum model of near-unanimous approval became a recurring feature of Egyptian politics under subsequent leaders.
Why It Matters
Nasser's presidency centralized authority in a one-party state and positioned Egypt as a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement and pan-Arabism during the Cold War. His rule influenced decolonization movements across the Middle East and Africa while establishing enduring institutions of governance and foreign policy orientation.
Related Questions
Who led the 1952 coup that ended Egypt's monarchy?
The Free Officers Movement, a group of young army officers that included both Mohamed Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser, overthrew King Farouk.
Why was the 1956 referendum significant?
It simultaneously elected Nasser president and ratified a constitution that established a one-party republic, removing any doubt about his authority.
What happened to Mohamed Naguib?
Naguib served as the nominal head of state after the coup but was forced out by Nasser in 1954 and placed under house arrest.
How did the 1956 vote affect Egypt's foreign policy?
It gave Nasser the domestic legitimacy to nationalize the Suez Canal weeks later, setting off an international crisis that elevated his regional stature.
What role did the Liberation Rally play?
It functioned as Egypt's only legal political organization, nominating Nasser and organizing popular support for the regime's initiatives.
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Sources
- Gamal Abdel Nasser elected president of Egypt, HISTORY.com. Accessed 2026-07-12.