In principle, Egypt’s Parliament votes on constitutional amendments

CAIRO – 14 February 2019: In principle, Egypt’s House of Representatives started voting on the newly-proposed amendments to the 2014 Constitution, which include extension of the presidential term from 4 years to six years.

In case the majority (50 percent +1) approves the proposed amendments in the Thursday session, the amendments will be referred to the Legislative Committee of the Parliament to consider them within 60 days, said Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aal in the session. Then, if the committee approves the amendments, the president has the right to call on the Egyptians for public referendum to confirm the amendments.


One fifth of the parliament members submitted a proposal to conduct constitutional amendments in line with Article 226 of the constitution and Article 140 of Parliament’s internal by-laws. They asked for extending the presidential term to 6 years from 4, “as the current circumstances have proven the step essential,” according to a statement issued by the Parliament on February 3, 2019.

The amendments also tackle appointing the heads of judicial bodies by the president.

The proposed amendments also include restoring Shura Council – a senate- to broaden representation at the Parliamentary Councils- after it was dissolved in 2012. The appointment of deputy president is also one of the amendments. Supporting women, Youth, Christian minority, the disabled, and the Egyptian expatriates community by solid constitutional articles are included in the amendments.

One of the amendments stipulates, “The Armed Forces are the guarantor of the democracy and civil state, and the appointment way of defense minister should be reconsidered.”

“A coordination council headed by the president would organize the posts inside all the judicial entities,” another amendment provides.

Although many political experts and politicians said that the new amendments are essential for Egypt’s current development program, many critic voices expressed objection as such amendments contradict with freedom principles.