A series of statements by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has raised questions over whether the former military general will step down when his current term ends in 2030.
Speaking at the 44th Armed Forces Educational Symposium on Wednesday, Sisi reaffirmed that Egypt's constitution would remain protected and unchanged, remarks that were welcomed by supporters but also drew scepticism.
The president said the constitution would remain untouched, and warned against attempts to incite unrest in Egypt.
“There is a constitution for this state, there is a constitution that we approved for this state, no one will touch it … no one will touch it," Sisi reiterated.
The remarks have sparked debate in Egypt, with some interpreting them as a sign that he does not plan to pursue constitutional changes that would allow him to remain in power for longer.
Here, The New Arab takes a closer look at what the constitution states and what his comments could be hinting at.
What does the constitution say?
Egypt's 2014 constitution, prior to being amended in 2019, stipulated in Article 140 that the country's president is elected to serve a four-year term, with the possibility of re-election only once.
In 2019, an amendment that maintained the two-term limit but extended each term to six years forwarded by a pro-government bloc, was approved by parliament.
The amendment was later approved in a public referendum which saw 88.8 percent of voters vote in favour and 11.1 percent against, with a turnout of 44 percent.
Rights groups and monitors warned at the time that the moves would entrench repression in Egypt, with reports of intimidation of referendum voters and journalists, arrests of opponents of the amendments, and vote buying by state-aligned entities.
Why is Sisi making these statements now?
Sisi's latest statements come amid calls from supporters for him to extend his rule over the country, including the launch of an online petition calling for the president to stay in his post until 2050.
This, however, has prompted widespread backlash, as many have decried it as undemocratic and have cited Sisi's crackdown on dissent.
Saeed Sadek, a professor of political sociology, told The New Arab that the president's statements appear to be aimed at closing the door to speculation about his political future.
The comments also come at a time when Egypt is facing several challenges, particularly from upheaval in the region and a sustained domestic economic crisis.
Sadek added, however, that the statement raises the political cost of any attempt to amend the constitution in the near future, though it does not completely shut the door to changes.
The constitution, he highlighted, contains mechanisms for amendments which can be activated with the necessary political will and backing of parliament.
Sadek notes that Sisi had made similar statements prior to the 2019 amendments.
What has been the response?
While Sisi did not explicitly say he would step down or rule out standing for re-election in 2030, his words have sparked some optimism for many.
Hamdeen Sabahi, Karama Party founder and former presidential candidate who stood against Sisi in 2014, described the president's comments as the "best of words", and expressed his hope that they would be followed up by the "best of actions".
In statements to the press, Sabahi expressed hope that Sisi would hand over power in 2030, paving the way for a new era in Egypt.
Amr Hashem Rabie, an expert at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, also told The New Arab that Sisi's statements indicate that Egypt is heading towards the election of a new president in 2030, unless unforeseen circumstances alter this course.
He added that some political parties, such as Nation's Future Party, Homeland Protectors, and the National Front Party, might push for street rallies to demand the president's continued rule, in addition to the role of some media figures who might promote the idea that there is no viable alternative to the president.
Sisi's remarks were also welcomed by Justice Party leader Abdel Moneim Imam, who similarly expressed hope for a peaceful transfer of power.
Egypt's Civil Democratic Movement was among those who welcomed the remarks, though cautioned that the constitution should not be subject to amendment according to circumstances or individuals.
Many Arabic-language reports from outside of Egypt have further expressed skepticism about the president's remarks, given that he holds such a tight grip on the state's institutions.
Sisi took power after removing Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamad Morsi, in 2013, and has led a crackdown on dissent within Egypt. By 2030, the former military general would have served as Egypt's president for 16 years.
