Voting “No”: A Step Toward Building Opposition Against Sisi

Statement by the Revolutionary Socialists

Parliament has finished discussing the constitutional amendments to keep Sisi in power until 2030. The amendments announced the day before yesterday include extending the current presidential term by two years and a transitional article allowing the general to stay for an additional six years starting in 2024. This means the upcoming referendum will decide on these amendments and the two-year extension for Sisi before the next election.

The final wording of these amendments comes after a quick visit by Sisi to the United States to meet with his friend and role model, Trump. As usual, the president’s visit to the White House precedes significant events in Egypt.

Recently, it was announced that Egypt would participate in preparing for the G7 summit, less than a month after French President Macron invited Sisi to join the summit.

This clearly shows that the regime in power does not face any international issues that could affect its decisions, especially as it implements the IMF’s agenda more thoroughly than ever seen in our region.

This also means that hoping for international pressure to influence the upcoming battle is a misguided effort that will only benefit the regime.

We, in the Revolutionary Socialists Movement, believe that relying on the people is the primary and most important strategy.

Participating in the referendum and voting “No” is not just about counting the “No” votes or even winning a potentially rigged battle. The “No” vote cast by citizens will instill hope and show they are part of a larger collective. This “No” will reflect the widespread discontent people express in discussions about politics, prices, and even football.

The situation is not entirely bleak. While international and regional circumstances have favored General Sisi for years, they are changing. These amendments come when the Sudanese people have partially triumphed – though they still have a long road ahead – following a revolt triggered by constitutional amendments Bashir expected to pass. Similarly, there was an uprising against a new presidential term for Bouteflika in Algeria. All of this reassures us that victory – though delayed – is possible.

We also affirm that there should be no disagreement with the supporters of the boycott camp, as both camps aim to reject these amendments.

We, the Revolutionary Socialists Movement, urge a “No” vote to express the rejection of these amendments and the rejection of the entire regime and its economic and political practices.