Egypt announced on Wednesday that it will hold local council elections in 2019, reported the state-run MENA agency. It quoted the parliamentary spokesman as saying the elections will take place in the first half of 2019 after a local administration law was passed by legislators. Local councils were disbanded in 2011, with local affairs being run by government-appointed officials since then. Egypts last local elections were in 2008. Earlier this week, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi claimed victory in presidential elections, sweeping 97 percent of the vote to secure a second term in power. In a brief victory speech broadcast Monday evening on state television, Sisi sent "greetings, appreciation, and respect" to Egyptians. He promised "to continue my oath to be loyal in my work, not sparing any effort in order to advance our nation." US President Donald Trump congratulated Sisi on his victory. "The two leaders affirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt and noted that they look forward to advancing this partnership and addressing common challenges,” said the White House.