Egypt's Sisi is close to locking up the presidency until 2030
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is one step closer toward maintaining long-term, authoritarian power over his country.
On Tuesday, Egypt's parliament voted overwhelmingly — the final tally from the largely pro-Sisi parliament was 531 to 22 with one abstention — to approve "sweeping changes" to the national constitution. The amendments would help extend Sisi's rule until 2030 and give him unprecedented control over the judicial system. The changes to the constitution include: extending presidential terms from four to six years (Sisi's current term would be extended two years until 2024, after which he'd be permitted to run again), the ability for the president to appoint judges and a new prosecutor, and declaring the military, which Sisi used to command, "the guardian and protector" of Egypt's democracy and constitution.
Critics argue that the military declaration would give the armed forces too much power over the political realm, writes The Washington Post.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sisi's reign has been criticized for alleged human rights abuses including silencing and imprisoning political dissidents and blocking internet access. And while technically the ultimate passing of the constitutional amendments rely on a public referendum — which could begin as early as next week — critics do not expect a fair vote. Indeed, Sisi's government has already clamped down on the opposition by blocking online petitions urging people to vote against the changes.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.
-
5 bopping cartoons about dancin' Donald
Cartoons Artists take on Trump's favourite tunes, presidential playlists, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Salem's Lot: Stephen King adaptation is 'half-baked' thriller
Talking Point The latest adaptation of this 1975 novel has left many critics feeling underwhelmed
By The Week UK Published
-
Grenada's luxurious new resorts
The Week Recommends The Caribbean island boasts gorgeous beaches and tropical landscapes
By The Week UK Published
-
Trump gets profane at Catholic charity dinner
Speed Read The Republican nominee mocked Kamala Harris, her husband, her running mate, President Joe Biden and other Democrats
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Florida ordered to allow pro-abortion rights ads
Speed Read A federal judge in Florida ordered the DeSantis administration to stop threatening TV stations for running an abortion rights referendum ad
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Pentagon grants ousted LGBTQ vets full benefits
Speed Read The new ruling will apply to more than 820 LGBTQ veterans
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US says Israel must up Gaza aid or risk arms halt
Speed Read The Biden administration has provided a 30-day ultimatum to the country
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Georgia judge suspends new hand-count ballot rule
Speed Read The rule would have required three poll workers in every precinct to hand-count votes
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Man arrested as threats on FEMA hinder Helene relief
Speed Read The agency temporarily suspended door-to-door operations as a result of the threats
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK Published