According to the National Electoral Board, 88.83 percent of eligible Egyptians have voted in favor of the controversial term extension of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Thus, the vast majority in Egypt voted in favor of the constitutional amendment, which allows presidents el-Sisi to extend their term of office until 2030, among other things.
Egypt's parliament had approved the amendment just a week ago. More than 60 million Egyptians were then called to vote in a referendum on the changes. The constitutional amendment plans to extend el-Sisi's current mandate by two years to six years. Subsequently, the president should be able to apply for another six-year term, which would then reach 2030.
El-Sisi came to power in 2013 when, under his leadership, the army had toppled mass president by ousting President-elect Mohammed Mursi. In 2018, the 64-year-old el-Sisi was re-elected at a steered vote with about 97 percent.
Critics warned in advance that the constitutional changes would further expand the already authoritarian rule of the head of state. In addition to the extension of the term, el-Sisi also has more influence on the appointment of top officials in the judiciary. In addition, civilians could easily land in military courts and the role of the already powerful army would be further strengthened. The supporters of the head of state, however, argue that the changes will strengthen the stability of the North African country.
Under the autocratic leadership of el-Sisi, Egypt is pushing hard against critics. Tens of thousands are in custody. Freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate are also severely restricted. El-Sisi's prestigious projects include the construction of a new capital east of Cairo.