Inside Story

Will Egyptian President el-Sisi’s mandate be extended?

Sisi promised to stick to his term as president, but a referendum is under way that could extend his stay in office.

Millions of Egyptians are heading to the polls to vote in a referendum on constitutional amendments that could keep President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi in office until 2030.

The amendments have received overwhelming backing from parliament. Supporters say el-Sisi has stabilised Egypt and needs more time to finalise economic reform.

If passed, the amendments would allow the president to appoint top judges, expand the role of the military, and create the post of vice president.

But rights groups are concerned el-Sisi’s consolidation of power will lead to a crackdown on dissent.

So is Egypt heading towards a complete authoritarian rule? And what are the consequences, both at home and in the region?

 

Presenter: Richelle Carey

Guests:

Timothy Kaldas – non-resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy

Maha Azzam – head of the Egyptian Revolutionary Council

Hussein Baoumi – Egypt researcher for Amnesty International