Referendum in Egypt: January 2014 Constitutional Referendum Frequently Asked Questions

The referendum was a result of major demonstrations that began in June 2013 across Egypt, led by the Tamarod Campaign, which led to the removal of President Mohammed Morsi on July 3, 2013. General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Minister of Defense and Head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, issued a statement providing a roadmap for Egypt's transition, which included the suspension of the 2012 constitution and the appointment of the President of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Judge Adly Mansour, as interim President. The constitutional amendment process commenced with the appointment of a committee of 10 experts, all judges and academics, that had 30 days to amend contested provisions of the 2012 constitution. Once amended, the draft constitution was then submitted to a committee of 50 people representing Egyptian society, which had 60 days to amend and add to the revised version of the constitution. On December 12, 2013, President Mansour announced that the amended version of the 2012 constitution would be put forth for a public referendum on January 14-15, 2014. The legal framework for the constitutional referendum includes the July 8 Constitutional Declaration (Article 30) and Law 73 of 1956 on the Law for the Exercise of Political Rights, which governs elections and referenda in Egypt. According to Egyptian law, there is no legal threshold for voters' participation in the referendum. The constitutional referendum will use an absolute majority quorum or vote, meaning the amendments will pass if more than 50 percent of valid votes are declared in favor of the amendments. If the amendments are approved in the referendum, the interim President is required to call for parliamentary elections within 15 days from the date the results are announced. However, amendments to the 2012 constitution changed the process, giving the interim President authority to decide whether presidential elections or parliamentary elections would come first. According to Article 230 of the 2012 constitutional amendments, procedures for the first electoral event shall begin within a period of 30 to 90 days from the day the constitution comes into effect. The constitutional referendum ballot paper will include the question "Do you agree with the amendments introduced to the 2012 constitution?" The voter will have two options: "Agree" or "Disagree." All Egyptian citizens 18 years or older have the right to participate in referenda and presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections, according to Articles 1, 2, and 3 of Law 73 of 1956 on the Law for the Exercise of Political Rights. Officers and members of the Armed Forces, as well as officers and personnel of the police, are ineligible to vote throughout the duration of their service. The referendum will be administered by the High Elections Commission (HEC), which is responsible for ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The HEC will be assisted by the Ministry of Interior, which will provide security and logistical support for the referendum. The judiciary will also play a crucial role in the referendum, as it will be responsible for resolving any disputes or challenges that may arise during the electoral process. Polling stations will be established throughout Egypt, and voters will be allocated to these stations based on their place of residence. The voter lists will be compiled by the HEC, and voters will be able to verify their names on the lists at their designated polling stations. Voters with disabilities will be accommodated through special provisions, including the use of accessible polling stations and the provision of assistance by election officials.