Human Rights Watch denounces 'unfree and unfair' Egyptian vote

Human Rights Watch says the referendum approved by Egyptian voters that would allow President Abdul-Fattah al-Sisi to extend his rule to 2030 was held in an "unfair and unfree" environment and has "no pretence to legitimacy."

Human Rights Watch says the three-day vote, which concluded on Easter 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 Sisi, 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 claimed the amendments were approved by 88.83% of voters, with a turnout of 44.33%.    (AP)