Voting ends in Egypt referendum on constitution

Voting in Egypt has ended in the second and final day of the referendum on the constitution.

It’s the first vote in Egypt since the military ousted Islamist President Mohamed Mursi, who was backed by the Muslim Brotherhood.

After ousting Morsi last July, Egypt’s top general Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi cracked down heavily on Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood, now classified as a terrorist organisation.

The Brotherhood boycotted the poll, but turnout was steady, especially women and the elderly.

The two-day ballot will likely pave the way for a possible presidential run by Sisi, who many consider a national hero who saved them from the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood.

One woman said: “He is someone who gives back equality for women and men and for working women and equality for retirees and the elderly. They are laws designed in a good way,” referring to Sisi.

The new constitution is almost certain to win a majority approval.

Mohammed Shaikhibrahim, euronews correspondent in Cairo reports:

“People are split between those supporting the constitution, believing it’s the beginning of better stage for the country, and those against it who consider it as consecration of military control over political life. And between those two groups, there is third, undecided group who did not vote. They are dissatisfied with the country whatever the outcome of the referendum.”