The Egyptian parliament gave on Thursday preliminary approval to constitutional amendments that include a bill on extending the president’s term.
A total of 485 lawmakers out of 596 "endorsed in principle the constitutional amendments after three consecutive sessions that lasted more than 10 hours," a statement on parliament's website said.
The amendments will now be submitted to parliament's legislative commission which must draft them into legislation and return them to parliament within 60 days for a final vote.
If the vote is passed by a majority of two thirds, parliament will then hold a referendum in line with the conditions of the 2014 constitution.
The key amendment endorsed Wednesday calls for extending President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi’s term in office from four years to six, parliament said on its website.
The proposed changes also give the president new powers over appointing judges and the public prosecutor.
They also include amending article 200 of the constitution to add that the military's duty is to protect "the constitution and democracy and the fundamental makeup of the country and its civil nature."
They also include the introduction of the role of vice president, a revived senate and the enshrining of a quota of 25 percent for women in the House of Deputies. Also included is "adequate" representation for workers, farmers, youth and people with special needs in the legislature.
