Egypt sets referendum on extending Sissi’s rule for April 20-22

Egypt sets a referendum for April 20-22 on sweeping constitutional changes, including amendments that could extend President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi’s rule until 2030.

“The referendum process … will take place inside Egypt… from April 20-22,” Lashin Ibrahim, head of the National Election Authority says at a press conference.

The announcement comes after Egypt’s parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed the changes, despite complaints from critics that they are “unconstitutional” and designed to “consolidate authoritarianism.”

The amendments extend presidential terms from four to six years, but maintain a limit of two terms.

Under the changes, Sissi’s current term will be prolonged to 2024 from 2022 and he would then be allowed to run for another six-year term.

The constitutional changes also include giving the military greater influence in political life, granting Sissi wide control over the judiciary and broadening the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.

— AFP