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Few turn out to vote on Egyptian constitution

December 24, 2012 15:44

By

Sandy Rashty,

Sandy Rashty

1 min read

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.

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