Al-Araby al-Jadeed, London, February 19
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The constitutional amendments approved by the Egyptian parliament last week, in preparation for a referendum that will be held on the issue next month, represent a new catastrophic measure that will completely destroy Egyptian political life. We can clearly say that we are in the midst of a second Egyptian coup, which is now underway with passing of these changes. It is shameful that this coup is being carried out by those who should protect the constitution and respect it, and who are supposed to represent the people of Egypt. The approved amendments constitute a clear violation of the 2014 constitution, which was passed by a large majority and celebrated by all parties across the political spectrum. Perhaps the most serious change proposed relates to Article 226, which stipulates that no amendments will be made to the re-election of the president in a way that consolidates his power and postpones elections. However, according to media sources in Egypt, the recent changes prolonged the presidential term from four to six years. It also added a so-called “transitional clause,” which guarantees that the President Abdel al-Fatah al-Sisi would remain in office for two more terms, until 2034. To make matters worse, the proposed amendments also give the president, as a representative of the executive branch, new authority, particularly in relation to the judiciary. According to several sources, the new constitution will grant the president of the republic the power to appoint the heads of judicial bodies, and not as was customary in these bodies to date, when these decisions would be made by the bodies themselves and then ratified by the president. In addition, there are rumors about a clause that grants the armed forces authority over the republic’s civic affairs. This means that the Egyptian army will turn into an overarching institution that goes beyond the law to determine the nature and extent of the state. Finally, such an article, if added to the constitution, would implicate the army in the political conflict, which is contrary to the nature of the military institution, which must be neutral and far from ideological and political conflicts. By now it comes as no surprise that Sisi has no respect for political institutions, such as parties, social movements, civil society, or elections. It is also clear that he despises the constitution and the law, despite vowing to protect them when he entered office. He reversed his pledge and rescinded his promises. Instead of strengthening the rule of law and the democratic process in Egypt, Sisi will do anything to pass these amendments in order to tighten his grip on all political, legislative and judicial institutions in Egypt. Sadly, he is doing so in a manner that none of his predecessors – all of whom were corrupt and dishonest – ever dared. –Khalil al-Anani