Less than one third of voters participated in the two-part referendum on Egypt’s controversial new constitution, which concluded on Saturday.

Unofficial polls suggest that 63 per cent of the eight-million who voted were in favour of the constitution. The official outcome will be announced by the country’s electoral commission this afternoon.

If the Islamist-influenced constitution passes, an election will take place within two months. Until the next election, the 90 per cent Islamist Shura Council – the upper chamber - will be the sole legislature.

Critics of the constitution argue that it will hurt workers’ and women’s rights.

Leaders of the opposition - the National Salvation Front – have already announced that they are planning to appeal the projected results.