Egypt journos voice opposition to constitutional change

<p>ISTANBUL (AA) – Egyptian journalists on Monday began collecting signatures for a petition against a proposed constitutional change that would extend presidential terms from four to six years. </p> <p>On Sunday, the Support Egypt Coalition, Egypt's largest parliamentary bloc, lodged an official request with the assembly to amend the country's national charter.</p> <p>The coalition, which holds 317 out of 596 parliamentary seats, also reportedly wants to amend the constitution to allow the formation of an upper house of parliament. </p> <p>Supporters of Egypt’s regime have expressed support for the move, which, they say, would contribute to the country’s “stability”. </p> <p>Opponents of the move, by contrast, including many journalists, say the proposed changes — if implemented — would “set the country back years”.</p> <p>Ratified in 2014, Egypt’s current constitution states that “texts pertaining to the re-election of the president… or the principles of freedom and equality stipulated in the constitution, may not be amended, unless the amendment brings more guarantees”. </p> <p>President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was elected in the same year the new charter was ratified — and one year after leading a military coup against his predecessor, Mohamed Morsi. </p> <p>In June of last year, al-Sisi was re-elected to a second presidential term, which is set to expire in 2022. </p> <p>According to the constitution in its current form, al-Sisi cannot run for a third term in office. </p> <p>The presidency has yet to comment on the proposed constitutional adjustments, but al-Sisi has said in previous televised remarks that he had no intention to run for a third term.</p>

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