[ad_1]
Supporters of Abdel Fattah al-Sisi plead in favor of approving the amendments, saying that the extension of the mandate will leave the president more time to build on the reforms he has introduced, but that others see a takeover. On February 14, legislators voted for changes that will allow President Sisi to strengthen his hold on the judiciary and strengthen the power of the army. A second vote in the coming weeks, after receiving suggestions from outside Parliament, will determine the final result.
The changes include the extension of the presidential term from four to six years, and although the two-term limit is maintained, a clause would give President Sisi the opportunity to seek two new six-year terms.
If it is pbaded, President Sisi, whose term expires in 2022, could remain in power until 2034. He would also have more say in the appointment of judges and prosecutor.
Among other changes in the pipeline for the country's nearly 100 million inhabitants include the amendment of the constitution to give the military the duty to protect "the constitution, democracy and fundamental composition of the country. country and its civil nature ".
Supporters of President Sisi in Parliament also wish to create a post of vice president and the addition of a second parliamentary chamber – that the president would appoint a third of its members -.
Supporters argue that the president, who they say stabilizes the country after the uprising of the 2011 Arab Spring, deserves more time to rely on the reforms he has introduced.
But critics criticized the proposals, saying they would pave the way for an authoritarian regime.
This week, the number of signatures on a petition against the changes has risen to 21,500, thanks to the names of lawyers, judges, doctors, engineers and journalists.
Opponents of parliament include a small group of left-wing and liberal deputies in the so-called 25-30 opposition bloc.
They pointed out that while Article 226 states that Article 140 can be amended, it states that this can only strengthen civil rights – not weaken them.
Ahmed al-Tantawi, a member of the group of 25-30, said: "This badembly does not have the right to change the articles relating to the presidential election nor the rights, freedoms and equality, except to offer more guarantees. "
A former finance minister, Ahmed Galal, compared these proposals to the system that has kept former autocratic president Hosni Mubarak in power for three decades.
President Sissi's public opinion is divided. Many say it has turned the country into crisis and others claiming that its economic reforms do not benefit the average Egyptian.
Many fear that the amendments to the constitution will allow it to further restrict freedom of expression.
Western allies, including US President Donald Trump, have not yet publicly commented on these proposals.
During a tour of the region in January, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hailed President Sisi as a vital ally in the fight against terrorism.
After the vote on February 14, in which Parliament pbaded Amendments 485-14, with 100 members abstaining, the proposals from outside will be collected for one month and new discussions will take place.
If these amendments are approved, the constitutional amendments should be subject to a referendum by the middle of the year.
Source link
