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Egypt prepares for referendum second round

Friday, December 21, 2012 - 01:23

Dec. 21 - Egypt's military takes control of polling stations as the country prepares for the second round on Saturday of a divisive constitutional referendum. Sunita Rappai reports.

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Egyptian soldiers arrive at a school doubling as a polling station in Giza - ahead of the second round of the country's divisive constitutional referendum. The army is securing polling stations around the country after violent protests in the run-up to the vote cost at least 8 lives. Supporters of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi back the proposed constitution but opponents say it is partisan and ignores the rights of women and minorities. They've called for a 'no' vote - but leading Muslim Brotherhood official, Essam El-Erian dismissed concerns the new constitution would lead to greater division. He says Egypt is building a new democratic political system for everyone that will usher in a new era for the country. But human rights lawyer Negad El-Borai says the Islamists have created a constitution for only a minority of Egyptians - and questioned how votes are counted. "No one sees this," he says. "Someone sits in a closed room, counts on his own and then just announces the result." The referendum is being held over two (weekends ???) days because many of the judges needed to oversee the poll have stayed away in protest. To pass, the constitution must be approved by more than 50 percent of those voting.

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Egypt prepares for referendum second round

Friday, December 21, 2012 - 01:23