05/09/2018 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – In the weeks leading up to Egypt’s constitutional referendum on April 19, life appeared peaceful and harmonious. If there was any dissent against the changes, it was rarely vocalized in the public arena. Instead, state-run media made every effort to show happy uniformity. Parliament hosted a question and answer session on the proposed changes, attempting to show a pluralistic society united in one purpose: extending the presidential term of Abdel Fattah el-Sisi until 2030.

A former military intelligence officer ushered into power five years ago, Sisi was welcomed as an opportunity for change in Egypt, which had just experienced the Arab Spring’s turmoil. All were hungry for the restoration of human rights. But the restoration never came.

Christians suffered under the Arab Spring. Under Sisi, their sufferings became bloodier, but also more complex. For example, the same government that streamlined a process for church legalization also neglected to hold the average Islamic hardliner accountable for violence against Christian communities. But in the days leading up to the referendum, if there was any violence, it was kept closeted. The vote of Christians became a litany, a petition of mercy for continued respite and social improvement.

“What we know is better than a stranger,” said a Christian young adult. “We have past experience that [says] the president is for life. He will would not let go until either he is killed like Sadat, or die a natural death like Nasser, or a revolution happens.”

“I support[ed] the amendments because that will help us continue the successful projects which President Sisi started. Regardless if the rest of the amendments are good or not, the most important thing for me is to continue President Sisi,” added another. “I voted yes… no one knows that if he left, that the next one who will come will be as good.”

Naseim, an elderly driver, further explained, “I did like all the people, marked three times on the yes circle. I did not read the amendments; I cannot read or write! But in the Sisi era, there are many churches being built. I am not sure of that, but it is ok. Although you can notice that in his time, the number of Christian victims is more than those killed in Hosni Mubarak’s time.”

The growth of persecution, despite the presence of legalized churches, was not the only thing Naseim observed. “The amendments would have been passed whether we said yes or no. No one can say no to the boss. The police were forcing people to vote.”