An Egyptian referendum may have just ensured Sisi remains in power until 2030
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.
The amendments, which easily passed a parliamentary vote last week, extend presidential terms from four to six years and grant the president power to appoint judges and a new prosecutor. The military, which Sisi used to command, will also reportedly have increased powers, and will be considered "the guardian and protector" of Egypt's democracy and constitution.
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.
Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists reportedly urged the government to withdraw the amendments, per AP. The groups believe they will put Egypt on a path toward even greater authoritarian rule just eight years after a pro-democracy movement overthrew former President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.
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.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 24, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - taped bananas, flying monkeys, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The Spanish cop, 20 million euros and 13 tonnes of cocaine
In the Spotlight Óscar Sánchez Gil, Chief Inspector of Spain's Economic and Tax Crimes Unit, has been arrested for drug trafficking
By The Week UK Published
-
5 hilarious cartoons about the rise and fall of Matt Gaetz
Cartoons Artists take on age brackets, backbiting, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published