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Egypt's opposition decries move to extend president's term

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AP Cairo

Opposition parties are urging Egyptians to vote against constitutional amendments that would potentially allow President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to remain in power until 2034.

Several political parties, including many born out of the 2011 pro-democracy uprising, took part in a press conference Wednesday decrying the amendments.

El-Sissi has presided over an unprecedented crackdown on dissent since leading the military overthrow of an elected but divisive Islamist president in 2013, rolling back freedoms won in the uprising eight years ago.

Parliament is packed with el-Sissi supporters who back the amendments, which would have to be approved in a nationwide referendum.

The referendum is expected to be held in the coming weeks.

 

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First Published: Mar 27 2019 | 6:10 PM IST

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