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BY JOHN O’CONNOR
ANCHOR CANDICE AVILES
Egyptians began the first round of voting Saturday on a controversial draft constitution
that has polarized the nation. Al Jazeera explains.
“The Muslim Brotherhood had been pushing a yes vote, as a yes for Islam. It is also
being seen as a vote of confidence in the President. The opposition is urging a no vote
saying the draft has been rushed through by a panel of Morsi supporters.”
The Wall Street Journal reports Egyptians began voting under a shroud of uncertainty
and even violence.
“Protests against the holding of the referendum continued until the eve of the vote, with
clashes between Mr. Morsi's liberal-minded opponents and his Islamist supporters in the
coastal city of Alexandria on Friday that resulted in nearly 20 injuries.”
A BBC correspondent says liberals and minority groups have expressed dissatisfaction with
current draft because they say it too vague of issues like women’s rights and religious
freedom.
“They feel it gives the ability of an Islamist dominated government to try to move Egypt
closer towards and Islamist state.”
According to the Associated Press, the draft states that the “Principles of Islamic Shariah
are the principal source of legislation.” CNN reports …
“International rights group Human Rights Watch says the draft constitution ‘protects
some rights but undermines others.’ It ‘fails to end military trials of civilians or to
protect freedom of expression and religion’ … ”
26 of the 51 million eligible Egyptians are expected to vote this Saturday. The other
25 million will be able to vote next week when voting stations open up in Egypt’s
smaller regions.