Egypt's Elections Committee has announced the dates for the constitutional referendum, which will run for three days starting Saturday. The proposed changes would give the president additional powers and extend his term in office until 2030. Politicians say Abdel Fattah el-Sisi should be given a chance to complete his economic and security reforms. CGTN's Adel El Mahrouky has more from Cairo.

Cairo's landscape is covered with massive numbers of banners all encouraging citizens to vote in the upcoming referendum. On Wednesday and just two days before the vote, the president of the elections committee called for massive participation as he announced the referendum details.

LASHEEN IBRAHIM, PRESIDENT EGYPTIAN ELECTIONS COMMITTEE "I tell the youth shut your ears away from the calls to boycott, and participate to voice your opinion. The people's will is more superior to the constitution. We return the matter to you to vote on. The referendum is considered one of the most important democratic rights. Your nation is calling you to say your opinion."

Egyptians will start voting on April 20th. Egyptian Members of Parliament say they want the President to get more time in office, to complete his reform vision. Since he took office EL Sisi has taken bold measures. He has gradually lifted power subsidies and enforced some austerity measures on the government.

OSAMA SHARSHAR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT "The massive move in petroleum exploration has made Egypt own one of the biggest natural gas reserves in the world. The country is building 22 new cities. For the first time upper Egypt is building infrastructure, this region hasn't seen in 40 years. All this will make Egypt among the world's top 20 economies."

To increase the turnout, the ballots will be open for three days, until April 22.

ADEL EL MAHROUKY CAIRO, EGYPT "Opposition powers rejected the amendments. But instead their usual stance of boycotting. They've decided to vote NO. So a huge turnout is expected this weekend. Adel EL Mahrouky CGTN CA."