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Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Egypt's Constitution Fiasco Continues

Catherine Green |
December 24, 2012 | 8:40 a.m. PST

Executive Producer

 

President Morsi has come under fire in his own country for a draft constitution the opposition say is "too Islamist." (Creative Commons)
President Morsi has come under fire in his own country for a draft constitution the opposition say is "too Islamist." (Creative Commons)
Voting results on a referendum to approve Egypt's hotly contested draft constitution came under committee review Monday amid accusations of "irregularities."

Reuters reported the Islamist-backed draft came under fire by liberals, moderate Muslims and Christians for pushing the agenda of the Muslim Brotherhood, which endorsed the somewhat recently elected President Mohamed Morsi.

Egyptians voted in two stages on the referendum that would have approved the new constitution, and the Muslim Brotherhood initially declared victory with 64 percent voting "yes." 

Reuters pointed out several independent newspapers called attention to low turnout and questioned the legitimacy of the vote. Only a third of the 51 million Egyptians who could have voted participated.

Morsi has said this is a crucial step toward establishing a functional society and regaining stability in the country. It's unlikely results from the review will be available Monday.

Representatives from the opposition have said they will "continue to attempt to bring down the constitution peacefully and democratically" if confirmed.

Check out details of the proposed constitution here, and more of Neon Tommy's Egypt coverage here.

 

Reach Executive Producer Catherine Green here. Follow her here.

 



 

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