Egypt’s government has announced that a referendum will be held on the country’s new constitution on January 14-15.
The document has been drawn up to replace the constitution brought in while Islamist President Mohamed Mursi was in power.
Interim President Adly Mansour, appointed by the army after Mursi was overthrown, has called on all Egyptians to back the changes. He said those who oppose the interim should “join the national march and stop chasing mirages and illusions.”
The referendum is a crucial step towards preparing for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held next year.
Supporters of Mursi, who was democratically elected but overthrown following mass protests against his rule, see the current government as illegitimate.
The Muslim Brotherhood, which backs Mursi, has yet to announce whether it will call for a “no” vote in the referendum or encourage its supporters to boycott the vote completely.
