Rights group denounces 'unfree and unfair' Egyptian vote

An international rights group says the referendum approved by Egyptian voters that would allow President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to extend his rule to 2030 was held in an "unfair and unfree" environment and has "no pretense to legitimacy."

Human Rights Watch says the three-day vote, which concluded Monday, was "marred by serious flaws," including reports of citizens being forced to vote or bribed with food and money.

Michael Page, the group's deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, says el-Sissi, who has presided over a sweeping crackdown on dissent, "is re-creating the impoverished and repressive political environment that drove Egyptians to revolt against former President (Hosni) Mubarak in 2011."

Authorities said Tuesday the amendments were approved by 88.83% of voters, with turnout of 44.33%.