Egyptians overseas vote on constitution

  • 10 years ago
ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION

STORY: Overseas voting on a draft of a new Egyptian constitution began on Wednesday, with voters lining up at Egyptian embassies and consulates around the world to cast ballots they hope will shape the future of Egypt.

The new document is part of the army-backed government's plan for transition back to democracy after its overthrow of elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

Mursi was deposed by the army in July after mass protests against his rule. The referendum could pave the way for new parliamentary and presidential elections to take place next year.

It is not clear how Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood, outlawed by a court in September and under pressure from a wide-ranging security crackdown on leaders and activists, will react if the referendum passes.