Egypt's Islamist-backed constitution approved
By Nehal El-Sherif, dpa
Cairo (dpa) - Egypt's new constitution, favoured by supporters of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, was approved by 63.8 per cent of voters in a two-round referendum, officials said Tuesday.
The charter, drafted by an Islamist-dominated assembly, was criticized by opposition groups who said it could undermine political rights and sideline minorities.
Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood and its conservative allies say the constitution will fast-track the country's transition to democracy from the authoritarian rule of president Hosny Mubarak, who was deposed almost two years ago.
About 33 per cent of the 51.9 million registered voters turned out for the December 15-22 ballot. The low turnout was expected to embolden the largely secular opposition, who announced they were getting ready for elections to the lower house of parliament, scheduled to take place within 60 days.
The Islamist-dominated Shura Council, or upper house, would be given the authority to legislate until a new legislature is elected.
Election commission chief Samir Abul-Maati rejected allegations by the opposition that the vote was marred by fraud and violations, including the lack of judicial supervision.
"We did not find any polling stations without judges as complaints said," Abdul-Maati said, adding that all complaints were investigated.
The United States and European Union reacted cautiously to the result and called for Egyptians to engage across political lines.
US State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell pointed to concerns among some Egyptians about the constitution and called on Morsi to work to bridge divisions. Washington would remain committed to helping Egypt with its democratic transitions, he said.
"We have called for genuine consultation and compromise across Egypt’s political divides. We hope those Egyptians disappointed by the result will seek more and deeper engagement," he said.
"We look to those who welcome the result to engage in good faith. And we hope all sides will re-commit themselves to condemn and prevent violence."
EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton likewise stressed the need for dialogue.
"It is of the utmost importance that the confidence and trust of all Egyptians in the process is restored," she said.
Many judges had announced they would not oversee the polls because of their stand-off with Morsi. They accused him of undermining judicial independence when he issued a decree in November making his decisions immune to judicial review.
Although the decree was cancelled, the judges held on to their position to boycott the polls because of a sit-in by Morsi's supporters around the Supreme Constitutional Court, which prevented the judges from resuming their work.
The election commission cancelled the results of some polling stations that were closed before the scheduled time.
The opposition April 6 movement slammed the vote. "The constitution lacks popular legitimacy," the group said, citing low turnout and violations reported by several monitors.
The draft constitution has polarized the country. Opposition leaders have warned of a possible civil war after backers and opponents of the charter fought street battles in which at least nine people died.
published on 25.12.2012 - picked up here
