Egypt’s parliament on Monday approved amendments that would allow active or former military personnel to run for the presidency and parliament only with the army’s approval.
The legislative changes come a year after Egyptians overwhelmingly voted in favour of constitutional amendments that potentially allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a former army chief, to stay on until 2030.
The amendments are expected to make it almost impossible for military personnel to run in any election, in effect preventing anyone from squaring off against Sisi.
Since it became a modern republic, all but two of Egypt’s presidents have hailed from a military background.
The army is highly visible in Egypt’s public life, with former top brass currently serving as ministers and heading governorates as well.
The nationalist institution boasts a sizeable business portfolio ranging from massive construction projects to producing protective masks.
Sisi led the army’s overthrow of elected…
Source: Guardian Newspaper
