Egyptians vote on Islamist-inspired constitution

CAIRO (Reuters) – Egyptians voted yesterday in the second round of a referendum expected to approve an Islamist-drafted constitution that lays foundations for a transition to democracy but is criticised as divisive by the opposition.

Queues formed at some polling stations around the country and voting was extended by four hours to 11 pm (2100 GMT). Last week’s first round of voting, which an opposition leader said was marred by “serious violations”, gave a 57 percent vote in favour of the constitution, according to unofficial figures.

Islamist supporters of President Mohamed Mursi say the constitution is vital to move towards democracy, nearly two years after an Arab Spring revolt overthrew authoritarian ruler Hosni Mubarak. It will help provide stability needed to fix a struggling economy, they say.

But the opposition accuses Mursi of pushing through a text that favours Islamists and ignores the rights of Christians, who make up about 10 per cent of the population, as well as women.

“I’m voting ‘no’ because Egypt can’t be ruled by one faction,” said Karim Nahas, 35, a stockbroker, heading to a polling station in Giza, a province included in this second, decisive round of voting which covers parts of greater Cairo.

At another polling station, some voters said they were more interested in ending Egypt’s long period of political instability than in the Islamist aspects of the charter.

“We have to extend our hands to Mursi to help fix the country,” said Hisham Kamal, an accountant.

Just hours before polls closed, Vice President Mahmoud Mekky announced his resignation, saying he wanted to quit last month but stayed on to help Mursi tackle a crisis that blew up when the Islamist leader assumed wide powers.

Mekky, a prominent judge who said he was uncomfortable in politics, disclosed earlier he had not been informed of Mursi’s power grab. However, the timing of Mekky’s resignation appeared linked to the fact there is no vice-presidential post under the draft constitution.

Unofficial tallies may emerge within hours of the close of voting, but the referendum committee may not declare an official result for the two rounds until tomorrow, after hearing appeals.

As polling opened yesterday, a coalition of Egyptian rights groups reported a number of alleged irregularities.

They said some polling stations had opened late, that Islamists urging a “yes” vote had illegally campaigned at some stations, and complained of irregularities in voter registration, including the listing of one dead person.

Analysts expect another “yes” because the vote covers rural and other areas seen as having more Islamist sympathisers. Islamists may also be able to count on many Egyptians who are simply exhausted by two years of upheaval.