Egypt ‘yes’ to charter, opposition cries foul

Egypt's ruling Muslim Brotherhood Sunday claimed a referendum victory for a draft constitution with an Islamist-tilt, but the largely secular opposition cried foul over the result, terming it an attempt to "steal people's future" and vowing to challenge it to the last.

The second round of voting appeared to have tilted the scale in favour of the constitution drawn by an Islamist-dominated parliament, with a preliminary tally of the vote showing 64 per cent "yes" votes, according to state media. The official result however is not expected until Monday.

The opposition, that had raised allegations of widespread irregularities after the first round of vote on December 15, again charged that the vote was won by fraud. National Salvation Front, a coalition of Egypt's mostly-secular opposition, pledged to appeal the result. "We're going to challenge it in the courts...we're going to challenge this until we die," Ahmed Hawary, a spokesperson for the NSF, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.

Ruling on Mubarak appeal on Jan 13

CAIRO: A Cairo court decided it will rule on the appeal of ousted President Hosni Mubarak on January 13, a source said Sunday, a move that could lead to Mubarak being retried over the killing of protesters last year. REUTERS

The contentious constitution

OVERVIEW

The draft provides for basic protection against arbitrary detention and torture and some economic rights. It however fails to end military trials of civilians or protect freedom or rights of women and minorities.

POWERS

* The constitution limits the president to two four-year terms.

* The president must secure parliament's approval for his choice of prime minister.

* The head of state can declare war with parliament's approval, but must consult a national defence panel, in which generals outnumber civilians.

RELIGION

* The principles of Sharia, or Islamic law, remain the main source of legislation.

... contd.

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