An Egyptian referendum may have just ensured Sisi remains in power until 2030

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
(Image credit: Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images)

As expected, Egyptians voted in a three-day public referendum to approve constitutional amendments that will likely allow President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi to remain in office until 2030, which many critics fear will cement autocratic rule in the country.

Voter turnout was low — just over 44 percent — but Sisi's amendments were reportedly approved by almost 89 percent. There is skepticism about the legitimacy of the vote, however. The Associated Press reports pro-government media, businesses, and lawmakers offered free rides and food handouts to voters, propaganda was plastered all over Cairo, opposition websites were blocked by the government, and potential boycotters were threatened with fines.

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Tim O'Donnell

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.