Egypt's quest for a new constitution
For the third time in three years, Egypt has voted on a new constitution. On Tuesday, the country began a two-day referendum, in which 53 million citizens were invited to cast their vote.
A new constitution
Egypt has voted on a new constitution: While the generals urged the population to participate, the Muslim Brotherhood pushed for a boycott of the referendum. By the end of Wednesday about 53 million Egyptians were expected to have cast their vote.
Tense atmosphere
The referendum was accompanied by strong security measures. Egyptian media say that 250,000 soldiers and police were deployed to protect the approximately 30,000 polling stations. The atmosphere was tense as many believe the outcome could legitimize last July's military coup that removed President Morsi from office.
The next president?
Military chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, several left-wing and liberal parties and almost all media called on the citizens to go out and vote for the draft constitution. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces and Minister of Defense, el-Sissi is currently considered to be the most powerful figure in Egyptian politics.
Festive mood
The election itself proceeded without major incidents. Reporters of the news agency dpa spoke of a festive mood in Cairo as crowds of people lined up outside the polling stations. Even in Al-Arish, the capital of the troubled province of North Sinai, the first day of voting passed without major incident.
'Yes to the Constitution'
The Muslim Brotherhood appealed to its supporters to boycott the polls. However, their appeal for a "No" to the constitution or a complete boycott fell on deaf ears. Several activists of a moderate Islamist party were arrested as they tried to impose a boycott. In the streets of Cairo, on the other hand, people were distributing posters with the slogan "Yes to the Constitution, no to terrorism."
More power for the military
Human rights activists and experts have criticized the draft constitution. According to observers it includes more rights for the citizens of Egypt but also further empowers the country's military.
A state within the state
Critics fear that the army will become a state within the state with the help of the new constitution. It will be able to pick the defense minister and will not be subjected to any form of control or oversight. The draft would also strengthen the judiciary, including the Constitutional Court.