Egypt's parliament has begun voting over constitutional amendments to allow President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to stay in power, possibly until 2034, and further enshrine a role for the military in state affairs.
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The voting was announced on state media on Thursday, after three rounds of discussions among politicians that started the previous day, although the 596-seat chamber is packed with el-Sissi loyalists.
The amendments are almost certain to pass, allowing el-Sissi 12 more years after his second term expires in 2022.
Once passed, amendments must be finalised by a special legislative committee for a final decision within two months, followed by a nationwide referendum, likely before early May.
Critics of the move argue Egypt is slipping back into authoritarianism, eight years after a pro-democracy uprising ended autocrat Hosni Mubarak's three-decade rule.
Australian Associated Press