Is quest to increase Egypt's presidential terms really altruistic?
Egyptian politicians and the public are skeptical about a lawmaker's attempt to lengthen the presidential term.
CAIRO — A proposed constitutional amendment that would extend the Egyptian presidential term has sparked controversy in political corridors and parliament as some lawmakers question its true intent.
Parliamentarian Ismail Nasreddin submitted a proposal Feb. 25 to increase the four-year presidential term to six years. Some opponents believe the amendment is a custom-made attempt to specifically benefit President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the event of his re-election. The Egyptian Constitution of 2014 stipulates that the president can only be re-elected once.
Nasreddin defended his proposal, arguing that the constitution allows for amendments and stating that the amendment is not about Sisi.
“Democracy rests upon the principles of majority rule,” he told Al-Monitor by phone. “This is part of the legislative revolution Egypt needs in the coming years, and aims to harmonize the government’s desired objectives with the existing legislative system."
