Referendum on Sisi in Egypt to denounce mini Arab-spring in Middle East

Three days referendum on constitutional amendment starts on Saturday which will decide the future of Arab’s largest state.

Egyptians are to stand in a queue to cast ballot what is known as great referendum since 2011 Arab spring which overturned the rule of autocratic leader Hosni Mubarak. Three days referendum on constitutional amendment starts today (Saturday) which will decide the future of Arab's largest state.

This constitutional amendment will give general-turned-politician Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, 64, a chance to remain president till 2030. President Sisi which was seen as a change agent for Egypt came to power in 2014 on likes of new Egypt.

While the changes are widely expected to pass, observers say the size of the turnout will be watched as a test of Sisi's popularity, which has been dented by economic austerity measures since 2016.

What is a referendum all about?

On last Tuesday, Egyptian parliament held voting on a constitutional amendment by 531 to 22 in favour allowing Sisi's current term to six years from four and running again for a third six-year term in 2024.

Some 55 million of Egypt's nearly 100 million population are eligible to cast votes in the referendum. This referendum will also give sweeping power to the military which is seen as a keen follower of Sisi. The decision to form an upper parliamentary chamber will also be made after this referendum.

What does it mean for the region?

This referendum comes at the time when the region is facing mini Arab-spring. Two political strongmen, Algeria's Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and Sudan's Omar al-Bashir once hailed as best for their country suddenly turned their rule towards autocracy, which led to the suppression of people. Abdelaziz Bouteflika's tenure as president after 20 years in power and Omar al-Bashir's 30 years reign ended with large countrywide protest loomed with violence in parts of both nations.

Egypt should learn from these events and hope Sisi maintains the Arab values even after being elected to power for the longer term. Although critics are skeptical on Sisi grabbing this power to rule Egypt for more than a decade he enjoys the strong support of the general public as well as parliament.

Retired banker Ramez Raouf, view Sisi as a champion of stability. "Look, I am against a few of the changes such as extending the president's terms ... but I am still going to vote 'yes' anyway," Raouf, 63, told AFP. When asked why, he said, "because the military will protect the civilian nature of the state, and that's important to me".