A referendum closed last Monday in Egypt that is expected to give power to Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi until 2030. Results from the poll will determine some of the extended presidential powers given to Egypt’s leader, which will be announced on April 27th. Pro-Sisi activists were chanting near polling stations and chanting nationalist songs. Egyptian TV stations urged citizens to vote in favor of the reigning president.
AL-Sisi has great support from many of Egyptians citizens, who would be content if he stayed in power for the following decade. One voter went on to say that Al-Sisi achieved peace and stability through protecting Egypt from the dangers of Islam, unlike ISIS stricken Iraq and Syria.
However, not all of this support is true to the citizens of Egypt. The government has been accused of bribing citizens to cast their vote in favor of Al-Sisi. During the referendum, citizens awaited government-provided rations outside of Alexandria in return for voting for Al-Sisi. One group that works with the Ministry of Justice reported this but stated they couldn’t interfere with activity outside the polling station.
Transportation services were also given extra incentive to move people to and from the polling stations. Not only were drivers given about $3.50 USD per voter transported, but each voter received a certain amount of rations. A week before the referendum, one group of workers were promised rations if they voted for the amendments.
Some of Egypts tactics were not as friendly, however. Some shopkeepers reportedly were forced by police to hang pro-Al-Sisi posters in their shops at their own expense.
However, the Ministry of Interior’s Department for Human Rights stated that there’s no proof that these actions are meant to affect voting outcomes. In just a three days, Egypt will reveal the results from the poll, and the future Presidential term length be determined.