Egyptians overwhelmingly approve new constitution, says official
Egyptian officials have spoken of a high turnout in a referendum on a new constitution, with voters expected to endorse the removal of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.
Top election official Nabil Salib told state TV that voter turnout was higher than in previous polls but gave no precise figure, AP news agency said.
Egyptian officials are counting the ballots after two days of voting for a referendum on a new constitution.
Election monitors report Wednesday\’s voting was mostly trouble-free, although violence Tuesday between backers and opponents of ousted President Morsi killed at least nine.
Official results are expected by the end of the week, but observers say there is no doubt the new constitution will be approved.
The pro-Morsi Muslim Brotherhood urged Egyptians to boycott the referendum, calling it illegitimate.
The new constitution would replace the pro-Islamic charter adopted in 2012 under Morsi. It strips away Islamist language and would give women greater rights and strengthen the power of the military.
Egypt\’s military overthrew Morsi in July when the opposition accused him of grabbing too much power.
Authorities have cracked down on Morsi\’s Muslim Brotherhood, declaring it a terrorist group and arresting many of its leaders. The former president and others are on trial for allegedly inciting violence that led to the deaths of protesters.
If approved, this week\’s referendum would be followed by elections for a new president and parliament.
Army chief General Abdel Fatteh el Sissi – who ousted Morsi – is widely seen as a presidential favorite.
Source: VOA and agencies
The Times of Earth ( TOE) founded in 1999, is a multilingual newspaper that is printed and circulated in many countries including some parts of the United States and Canada. It is considered as the largest trusted & respected international multimedia news/financial information source of the world.