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Egyptian voters back new constitution in referendum Egyptian voters back new constitution in referendum
(about 1 hour later)
Nearly two-thirds of voters in an Egyptian referendum have supported a proposed new constitution, the election commission has announced.Nearly two-thirds of voters in an Egyptian referendum have supported a proposed new constitution, the election commission has announced.
In all, 63.8% of voters cast Yes ballots in two stages, on 15 and 22 December. The commission announced the result live on state-run Nile News TV.In all, 63.8% of voters cast Yes ballots in two stages, on 15 and 22 December. The commission announced the result live on state-run Nile News TV.
Elections must now take place within two months.Elections must now take place within two months.
Critics say the document, which has triggered mass protests, betrays the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak.Critics say the document, which has triggered mass protests, betrays the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak.
He was ousted from power in February 2011 after nearly 30 years of authoritarian rule.He was ousted from power in February 2011 after nearly 30 years of authoritarian rule.
Turnout 'Bridge divisions'
President Mohammed Morsi's mainly Islamist supporters say that new constitution will secure democracy and encourage stability. href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2012/12/202381.htm" >Responding to the referendum result, the US state department urged all sides in Egypt to commit themselves "to engage in an inclusive process to negotiate their differences".
In a direct appeal to President Mohammed Morsi, spokesman Patrick Ventrell said as democratically elected leader he had a "special responsibility... to bridge divisions, build trust, and broaden support for the political process".
President Morsi's mainly Islamist supporters say that the new constitution will secure democracy and encourage stability.
But opponents accuse the president of pushing through a text that favours Islamists and does not sufficiently protect the rights of women or Christians, who make up about 10% of the population.
Turnout was 32.9% of Egypt's total of 52 million voters, election commission President Samir Abul Maati told a news conference in Cairo.Turnout was 32.9% of Egypt's total of 52 million voters, election commission President Samir Abul Maati told a news conference in Cairo.
Mr Maati rejected opposition allegations that fake judges supervised some of the polling - one of several complaints relating to voting fraud made by the opposition National Salvation Front after each stage of voting.Mr Maati rejected opposition allegations that fake judges supervised some of the polling - one of several complaints relating to voting fraud made by the opposition National Salvation Front after each stage of voting.
Opponents accuse the president of pushing through a text that favours Islamists and does not sufficiently protect the rights of women or Christians, who make up about 10% of the population.
Egypt has recently seen large demonstrations by both critics and supporters of the constitution, which have occasionally turned violent.Egypt has recently seen large demonstrations by both critics and supporters of the constitution, which have occasionally turned violent.