Muslim Brotherhood: Egypt Constitution Approved

Posted December 22nd, 2012 at 10:15 pm (UTC-5)
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Egypt’s Islamist Muslim Brotherhood says voters have approved the country’s new controversial constitution.

The Brotherhood said more than 71 percent of the voters cast a “yes” ballot for the charter on Saturday, bringing the two-day total to about 64 percent.

The Muslim Brotherhood, the former party of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, supports the new constitution. However, members of Egypt’s liberal, secular and Christian opposition fear it will erode civil liberties, because it increases the role of Islamic law and does not mention women’s rights.

A largely Islamist committee approved the draft constitution last month after liberal and Christian members walked out, complaining their views were being ignored.

The first round of voting was held on held on December 15 and a second round was staged Saturday.