Egyptians have approved a new constitution that is sure to deepen the influence of Islamic law in the country that is still fragile after the ouster of its leader, Hosni Mubarak, less than two years ago.
Preliminary results are showing that the constitution passed through the two-day national referendum, reports The Washington Post .
The Muslim Brotherhood political party stated on Sunday that the Islamist-backed constitution has been approved by 64 percent of voters, though official results are not expected until Monday.
Several of those who support the charter constitution hope that the approval of the new code of law will put an end to the uncertainty and instability in the country, which has been going on sing Mubarak’s fall.
Despite their hopes, it is unlikely that the constitution will be the start of a united country. Opposition leaders have already said that they do not support the constitution. They have added that the constitution is illegitimate and that the referendum was a result of fraud.
CNN notes that the Supreme Electoral Commission will publicize the results in a news conference later. Clashes have erupted during the voting process in the latest argument between President Mohamed Morsi’s supporters and opponents. Stones hurdled during a protest in Alexandria left 77 people injured.
Riot police were forced to interfere. They fired tear gas into the crowd to stop the conflict and disperse the protesters. The nation’s electoral commission has promised to investigate the allegations of widespread abuse and voter fraud during the election process. The allegations include voter intimidation, bribery, and other violations.
Supporters of the Egypt constitution are excited to see it pass, while opponents claim that it was passed too quickly. Christians and other minority groups in the country are also upset that they felt excluded from the Constitution Assembly, which drafted the charter constitution. These minority groups are asking for a new assembly to draft a new constitution.