Egypt Constitutional Amendments: Opposition powers reject changes as voting begins abroad
Updated 20:20, 22-Apr-2019
[]
01:42
Egyptians living abroad have started voting on constitutional amendments. If the referendum is approved, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah EL Sisi will be able to stay longer in office, and gets additional powers over the judiciary. Opposition powers have rejected the amendments. But it's not expected they can influence the vote. Here is Adel El Mahrouky with more.
531 Parliament members have approved the constitutional amendments, citing the importance of president el-Sisi to stay longer to complete his economic reform. With only 22 MPs rejecting and one abstaining, the opposition is almost voiceless. Still they've encouraged their supporters to vote 'No'. While the president's supporters argue the amendments hold massive reform. The opposition believes the reforms could have been achieved otherwise.
MOHAMED SAMY PRESIDENT, AL KARAM OPPOSITION PARTY "I don't think these amendments are necessary. With exception to the presidential term extension. I believe all the articles are designed to appeal to the people, so they would think it's not only about the President. While in fact all the other changes do not need to be part of our constitution changes, so I am definitely sad, and I believe that soon Egypt will be forced to correct these amendments."
ADEL EL MAHROUKY CAIRO "While the Parliament's majority coalition has swamped the streets with an outdoor campaign of support, the opposition could not be heard beyond social media. They are mobilizing all their supporters to vote, yet it remains unlikely that they could sway the result of the referendum. Adel EL Mahrouky, CGTN, CA."