Egyptian lawmaker steps back from call to extend president’s term

The Egyptian lawmaker behind a call to amend the constitution to extend the president’s term by two years says the change won’t apply to President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi’s current four-year term.

Sissi has 10 months left in his first term in office. He is barred by the constitution from serving more than two four-year terms.

Any amendment to the relevant clause in the 2014 charter must be approved in a nationwide referendum.

In a partial turnaround, lawmaker Ismail Nasreldeen says in comments published today the proposed amendment will apply to the next president.

Sissi is widely expected to run in 2018.

His predecessor, the Islamist Mohammed Morsi, was overthrown by the military after a year in office. Hosni Mubarak ruled for nearly 30 years until the 2011 uprising.

— AP