Egypt: National referendum set for April 20-22

Event

A national referendum on proposed reforms to the constitution will be held from Saturday, April 20, to Monday, April 22. Amendments to be voted on include an extension of current president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's second four-year term to six years, as well as a possibility for Sisi to run for another six-year term in 2024.

A heightened security presence is to be expected around polling sites. Associated demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The constitutional reforms, approved by the parliament on April 16, are perceived by critics as a means to extend the president's rule for several years as well as to extend the military's influence over Egyptian politics.

As a reminder, Egypt remains under a state of emergency, originally declared following Islamic State (IS) attacks on churches in Alexandria and Tanta that killed some 50 people on Palm Sunday in April 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Egypt are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid any demonstrations and polling stations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.