Constitutional Proposals May Enable Sisi to Remain in Power Until 2034: Document

By Amina Ismail

CAIRO – Proposed constitutional amendments by Egyptian lawmakers could enable President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to extend his presidency by up to 12 years beyond his current term and enhance his influence over the judiciary, according to a draft reviewed by Reuters.

The amendments were presented to the parliamentary speaker on Sunday. Approval requires the backing of two-thirds of parliamentary members, followed by a nationwide referendum.

Sisi, who came to power in 2014 after ousting President Mohammed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013 amid widespread protests, is facing mounting speculation that his supporters will attempt to change a constitutional clause mandating his departure at the end of his second four-year term in 2022.

Among the changes proposed on Sunday is an extension of the presidential term from four years to six, as detailed in article 140 of the constitution, along with a "transitional" clause that would effectively reset the term limits, allowing Sisi to remain in office until 2034. The draft states, "After the expiry of his current term, the President of the Republic may run again in accordance with the amended article 140."

Additionally, the suggested amendments would grant Sisi greater authority in appointing judges and the public prosecutor and introduce a second parliamentary chamber named the Council of Senators, where the president would appoint one-third of its 250 members.

Supporters of Sisi argue that extending his term is crucial for continuing economic development and ensuring national stability. "He is working on numerous projects and faces challenges from many directions," remarked Ayman Abdel Hakim, a lawyer and former civil servant. He noted that he and 300 other supporters had previously advocated for a parliamentary discussion on the two-term limit.

While Sisi enjoys substantial support in parliament, a 16-member leftist coalition condemned the proposed amendments in a press conference on Monday, asserting that they undermine the main achievement of the January 25, 2011 uprising — the transition to civilian governance. Leftist lawmaker Haitham al-Hariri characterized the proposals as a "coup against the Egyptian constitution."

"Thinking that they would only extend the presidential term limits was naïve," he commented, referring to the broader expansion of presidential powers.

Critics contend that 63-year-old Sisi has intensified authoritarianism in Egypt, surpassing the repressive regime of former president Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted in 2011 after three decades of rule under emergency laws. Human rights organizations accuse Sisi of suppressing political adversaries, activists, and critical media, with courts handing down severe sentences against many dissenters.

In response to the proposed amendments, some Egyptians voiced their opposition on social media, making "No to changing the constitution" the top trending hashtag with over 26,000 tweets.

Timothy Kaldas of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy remarked, "These proposed amendments are not surprising; they are part of a consistent pattern since Sisi came to power, signaling an ongoing expansion and consolidation of his authority."