Egyptian regime suppresses campaigns opposing constitutional changes
Despite opposition campaigns, Egyptians overwhelmingly voted in favor of constitutional amendments that could stretch President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s stay in office until 2030.
Egypt’s National Elections Commission announced April 23 that 88.83% of Egyptians approved constitutional changes during a three-day referendum held in Egypt on April 19-21. The voting for Egyptians abroad took place on April 20-22.
Over 27 million people participated, with a voter turnout of 44.33%. More than 23 million Egyptians voted in favor of the amendments and around 2 million people (11.17%) voted no.
The proposed constitutional changes allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to remain in power until 2030, strengthen the role of the army and establish a senate as “a second parliamentary chamber.”
The voting was, however, held amid campaigns, both at home and abroad, rejecting the changes, as well as calls to boycott the referendum or vote against the changes.
