CAIRO — An unknown fate awaits political figures who consider running in Egypt's presidential election next year. So far, the three main potential candidates have all had run-ins with the courts soon after announcing their intentions.

An old case reopened or a new charge filed are among the means being used to prevent challengers to Abdel Fattah al-Sisi from emerging. Anyone wanting to run in the election must apparently first face the courts.

Former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq’s announcement Nov. 29 that he intended to run for president triggered a slew of indictments. On Dec. 2, lawyer Mohammad Hamid Salem presented a case to public prosecutor Nabil Sadeq, accusing Shafiq of stirring public unrest and issuing inciting statements on “anti-regime channels." The same day, lawyer Samir Sabry filed a case accusing Shafiq of “treason by appearing on the Al Jazeera channel, which supports terrorism.” Shafiq faced criticism over reports that he sent his candidacy announcement video to the TV channel in Doha, Qatar. Egypt was among four countries that cut ties with Doha in June over its alleged support for terrorism.

On Dec. 18, the public prosecutor referred Shafiq’s case to the High State Security Emergency Criminal Court for investigation.