Egyptians divided as constitution looks set to pass

  • 12 years ago
Egyptians wake up Sunday to news of their new constitution.

Unofficial results show the draft constitution winning approval after the second and final referendum on Saturday.

Proponents believe it will help bring stability after nearly two years of unrest since last year's revolution.

One man says the vote was fair and people need to respect the results in the spirit of democracy.

But Islamist influence on the draft and President Mohamed Mursi's efforts to speed it through a vote have divided the country.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) EGYPTIAN COMPANY WORKER, LAILA, SAYING:

"It was forged, the results were forged. 70 percent of the Egyptian people are ignorant and illiterate, and the 70 percent now control 30 percent of the population who are educated."

Amid low turnout, reports of delays at polling stations and judges refusing to supervise the vote in protest; the opposition says the poll has not brought consensus.

A number of media outlets and watchdog groups have also reported irregularities -- allegations dismissed by officials after the first round of voting last week.

If the results are made official, approval of the constitution will pave the way for parliamentary elections in the next few months.

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