How did the 2019 constitutional amendments change Egypt’s legislature and presidential terms?

The 2019 constitutional amendments significantly altered Egypt’s political structure by expanding presidential power and restructuring the legislature.1

Presidential Terms

The amendments extended the presidential term from four years to six years. While the constitution reaffirms a limit of two consecutive terms, a specific provision allowed the incumbent president to run for an additional six-year term in 2024, despite already being in his second term at the time of the amendment. Additionally, the amendments reinstituted the office of the vice president and granted the president the authority to appoint top members of the judiciary.1

Legislative Changes

The amendments reestablished a bicameral legislature by creating an upper chamber known as the Senate, which had been eliminated under the 2014 constitution. The Senate is composed of members serving five-year terms, with one-third elected by constituency, one-third by proportional representation, and one-third appointed directly by the president. The Senate is tasked with providing opinions on national unity, social cohesion, and constitutional amendments, though it holds no authority regarding the appointment or removal of government members.231