Security was tight on Tuesday as Egyptians went to the polls in a two-day referendum on a new constitution.
Reportedly as many as nine people were killed in clashes between police and supporters of ousted President Mohammed Mursi nationwide.
The new charter has been drafted to replace the one introduced by the Islamist Mursi.
Among those going to vote, one woman said: “If we want changes to a number of articles, we can do it later. In general it is a good constitution, it’s not the best in world, nothing in the world is perfect, but it is a good start and we have been waiting patiently.”
The interim government believes a ‘yes’ vote is crucial for the stability of the country that has been in turmoil since Hosni Mubarak was toppled in 2011.
“We hope things will go well and people are at ease. People are interested, old people are interested and we expect a good turnout after two days.” said another voter.
The Muslim Brotherhood, now classified as a terrorist organisation by the government, has boycotted the poll, but turnout appears steady:
Reporting from a Cairo polling station, euronews Middle East correspondent Mohammed Shaikhibrahim said: “The main question the Egyptian people have is – ‘Will the fundamental human rights articles included in the new draft constitution be implemented or ignored?’ If they are ignored, that constitution is dead in the water.”
