This week, Egyptians voted on a referendum that would amend their constitution and give their sitting president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the opportunity to rule for another ten years. Who is Sisi? How did he come to power? And why is he such a controversial figure? Phil and Cooper discuss Sisi’s meteoric rise from Egypt’s military brass to the presidential palace, as well as the effects of this week’s contentious vote.

• Proposal to extend Sisi's term sparks controversy in Egypt (Shahira Amin)
• Cowed Egyptians meet Sisi’s power grab with apathy (Shahira Amin)
• Egypt gears up for referendum (Rania Rabeaa Elabd)
• Senators rebuke Egypt as White House rolls out red carpet for Sisi (Bryant Harris)

Extra Listening:

• Episode #2, Back Up In Your A** With the Referendum (4/19/2017): Turkey votes on a referendum to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more power.
• Episode #47, A Glance of Gaza (4/5/2018): Egypt’s presidential election sees President Sisi win with a whopping 97% of the vote.
• Episodes #83 & #84, The Jasmine Revolution Part I (1/17/2019) & Part II (1/24/2019): Phil and Cooper speak with Emir Sfaxi about the beginning of Tunisia’s revolution, which kickstarted the Arab Spring, and with Amberin Zaman about her recent reporting in Tunisia after the anniversary.
  

Music: Al Massrieen - “Sah” (Spotify | Apple Music)