Egyptians Back 'Islamist' Constitution in Referendum - Report

Ballot counting in Egypt's constitutional referendum. Photo by EPA/BGNES

Around 70% of voters in Egypt have said "yes" to the new constitution following the second stage of the national constitutional referendum, according to unofficial reports.

The second stage of the referendum took place Saturday in 17 regions of Egypt, including Giza near Cairo, comprising some 25 M of voters.

The clear win for the new constitution has been reported by the Muslim Brotherhood, but official results are expected on Monday.

Egypt's draft constitution has provoked weeks of rallies and sparked clashes between opponents of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and Islamist supporters.

Opponents of the constitution say that its drafting included only representatives of Islamist parties, and it will not satisfy the entire population of the country.

Over the weeks, protesters have also come out against what they see as Morsi's attempts at consolidating too much power into the President's hands.

On the other side, supporters of the constitution say that it will restore democracy and stability to the country.

Saturday, Egypt's VP Mahmoud Mekki resigned due to the fact that the new constitution does not posit the position of a vice president, with some commenting that the resignation is motivated by differences with Morsi's outlook.

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