Participants in the first Egyptian vote of the post-Morsi era have voted overwhelmingly in favour of approving a new constitution. More than 90% of voters opted to ratify Egypt’s third constitution in as many years, state-run media reported – a result likely to be portrayed by the Egyptian establishment as a conclusive endorsement of the direction the country has taken since the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi. But after a campaign in which no campaigners were arrested and the government said participation was a patriotic duty, many also saw the poll’s turnout as a more significant indicator of public sentiment.
Provisional results suggested turnout was just over 38% – higher than the 33% who voted in a referendum during Morsi’s tenure, but lower than the 41.9% who turned out in a similar poll following Egypt’s 2011 uprising.
Egypt’s new constitution strengthens the country’s three key institutions – the military, the police and the judiciary – as well as removing certain Islamist-leaning clauses inserted under Morsi, and gives more rights to women and disabled people.
Full Article: Widespread boycotts as Egyptian voters back new constitution | World news | theguardian.com.