21 April

People in Egypt are voting in a referendum on constitutional amendments that would extend the presidential term and give more powers to the president.

The proposed changes could pave the way for the longtime rule of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's government. They are likely to be approved, as the authorities have vigorously suppressed opponents. Voting in the three-day referendum began on Saturday. A 49-year-old man who voted for the amendments said stability and security are most important, and that he wants Egypt to develop based on stability.

A 39-year-old woman who voted against them said it will become impossible for anyone to voice opposition if one person serves as president for a long time. The amendments could allow President Sisi to stay in office until 2030, eight years longer than currently possible. Sisi came to power in 2013 in a de facto military coup amid political confusion following the Arab Spring pro-democracy movement.

He was elected president in 2014, and won a second term last year. Sisi's security measures have received firm public support. The result is expected by next Saturday.—NHK