This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Egypt and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Egypt Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week's roundup to egypt@jadaliyya.com by Sunday night of every week.

Political Rights


Egyptians abroad vote in constitution referendum

Egyptians living abroad began voting at diplomatic missions worldwide Friday in a referendum on constitution amendments passed by the parliament earlier this week.

Egypt steps up security ahead of constitutional referendum

The Egyptian authorities have increased security measures across the country ahead of a referendum on constitution changes which will take place from Saturday to Monday.

Egypt’s Sisi pardons prisoners on Sinai Liberation Day

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has issued a decree to pardon a number of prisoners on the occasion of the Sinai Liberation day, which falls on Thursday.

Reader's guide to Egypt's constitutional ammendments ahead of Saturday's vote

Gamal Essam El-Din reviews the concluding discussion in parliament on the final draft of the proposed constitutional amendments

Egypt's Sisi approves e-payment law to reduce reliance on cash

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has approved a new law promoting e-payment services, part of a broader government drive to boost financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash.

Seeking justice

For the past eighteen months, Marwa Kenawi has been seeking “legitimate paths” but has so far failed to avenge the death of her son by an errant bullet. “Hence, I decided to go on a hunger strike to shed light on my case,” Kenawi told Al-Ahram Weekly.

Towards the referendum

After a lengthy debate on Tuesday, Egypt’s parliament — the House of Representatives — voted 531 to twenty-two, with one abstention in favor of proposed amendments to Egypt’s 2014 constitution.

Egypt court sentences two defendants to death over 2017 church attack

A Cairo criminal court sentenced on Tuesday two defendants to death over a 2017 terrorist attack against the Saint Menas and Pope Cyril IV church in Helwan, which killed nine Christian civilians and one policeman.

Three Egyptian parties declare opposition to constitutional amendments

Three Egyptian political parties – the Nour Party, the Conservatives Party, and the Egyptian Socialist Democratic Party – have declared their rejection of proposed amendments to Egypt's 2014 constitution.

Egypt parliament passes constitutional amendments, extends president's term limit

The Egyptian House of Representative passed on Tuesday proposed amendments to Egypt's 2014 constitution, including an amendment that possibly extends President’s Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi time in office until 2030.

13 Egyptian, foreign entities allowed to join list of election monitors: Elections Authority

The National Elections Authority (NEA), headed by Counsellor Lashin Ibrahim, said on Tuesday that thirteen Egyptian and foreign associations, foundations, and organizations have been allowed to join its lists of election and referendum monitors.

Frequently Asked Questions about parliament's proposed amendments of Egypt's 2014 constitution

The article reviews the final drafts of the proposed amendments to Egypt's 2014 constitution, which will be put to a final vote in parliament on Tuesday.

Foreign Policy


Defence ministers of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus witness joint military drills

The defense ministers of Egypt, Cyprus and Greece witnessed the main part of the joint aeronautical exercise Medusa 8 in the Mediterranean on Thursday.

Why Haftar was in Cairo

Ahmed Eleiba writes on the significance of Khalifa Haftar’s visit to Egypt

Egypt's Sisi calls Sudan's military leader to offer support

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday called the head of Sudan's transitional military council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to offer his backing, a presidential spokesperson said.

Economy


Egypt's PM says economic reforms were necessary to revive Egypt's economy

Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the IMF-backed economic reform programme Egypt adopted in late 2016 was necessary to save the country's economy.

Domestic Security


Arish on high alert after militant infiltration, extraordinary security in South Sinai amid fear of spreading violence

A host of militant attacks in the past two weeks have led to tighter security measures throughout Sinai, capped by the shutdown of the capital city of Arish, where security sources say fear is mounting which may lead to a repeat of the deadly attack on the Sheikh Zuwayed marketplace on April 9. 

Arabic


رغم التضييق عليها.. حملة "باطل" تجمع ربع مليون توقيع ضد تعديل الدستور بمصر

The article discusses the efforts made by the opposition campaign “Batel” to rally support against the constitutional amendments extending Sisi’s rule. 

تمديد رئاسة السيسي والجيش فوق الدولة.. كيف سارت رحلة تعديل الدستور المصري؟

The article discusses the government’s restrictive policies throughout the process of referendum and their repercussions on Egypt’s political scene.  

محمود السيسي.. نجل الرئيس وقائد كتيبة تعديل الدستور

The article examines the key role played by Sisi’s son in strengthening Sisi’s regime.

مشاركة أم مقاطعة? موقف المعارضة المصرية من استفتاء تعديل الدستور

The article analyzes the role of political opposition in Egypt and abroad.  

مصر | منظمات حقوقية: مناخ قمعي لتعديل الدستور وندعو المنظمات الدولية لمراقبة الاستفتاء

Human rights organizations expressed their opposition to Egypt’s repressive measures to implement constitutional amendments, granting the army governing authority.

بـ «الجبر».. لافتات الأكشاك والمحلات تؤيد التعديلات الدستورية

Mada Masr explains the pro-state propaganda to mobilize voters to support the constitutional amendments.

متحدثًا من دائرة الإفراج والحبس اليومية.. علاء سيف: نحن في احتياج إلى خيال جديد

Mada Masr interviews prominent activist Alaa Abdel Fattah in his first media appearance.

التعديلات والناس

Mada Masr examines the reactions of Egyptians to the constitutional amendments.