Egypt votes in referendum that could keep Sisi in power until 2030
Published: 21 April 2019, 2:07:50
While the changes are expected to pass, observers say the turnout will be a test of Sisi’s popularity, which has been dented by austerity measures since 2016. He was re-elected last year with 97 percent of the votes, on 41 percent turnout.
Polls closed at 1900 GMT and at the time, the national election commission had not yet given official figures for the turnout on the first day.
The country’s small but vocal opposition called on supporters to vote against the changes instead of boycotting the polls like they did in the presidential election.
Egypt’s 596-member parliament, dominated by Sisi’s supporters, approved the amendments on Tuesday, voting by 531 to 22 in favor.
Some 61 million of Egypt’s nearly 100 million population are eligible to vote. Polls open at 0700 GMT on Sunday for the second say of voting. The result is expected within five days of the final day of voting.
