Egyptians abroad flock to polls for national referendum on constitutional changes

By Ragheb Shawqi CAIRO, April 18 (KUNA) -- Egyptians living abroad will begin voting for national referendum on constitutional changes in Egyptian consulates and embassies across the globe on Friday for three consecutive days.
Four countries will not conduct the referendum process; Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Libya, Spokesman for Egypt's National Elections Authority (NEA), Mahmoud El-Sharif said Thursday.
The public referendum for the locals inside the country will take place Saturday, NEA head Lasheen Ibrahim said.
Ibrahim urged the citizens to enjoy their constitutional right and to ignore the boycott calls, and to cast their ballot in the polling stations nationwide.
The amendments extend a president's term in office from four to six years and allow for a maximum of two terms.
It also includes provisions for what it describes as adequate representation for workers, farmers, youth and people with special needs.
The amendments also allow the president to appoint top judges and bypass judiciary oversight in vetting draft legislation.
The amendments also introduce one or more vice presidents, revive the senate and enshrine a 25% quota for women in parliament's lower, legislative chamber. It also includes provisions for what it describes as adequate representation for workers, farmers, youth and people with special needs.
The amendments declare the military the guardian and protector of the Egyptian state, democracy and the constitution, while also granting military courts wider jurisdiction in trying civilians. (end) rg.ss