Egypt holds 2nd stage of constitutional referendum

PanARMENIAN.Net - Egyptians have begun voting in a second stage of a constitutional referendum that has sparked weeks of unrest, BBC News reported.

Opponents of President Mohammed Morsi have held protests against the draft, saying it favors the Islamists now in power and betrays the revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak last year.

Mr Morsi's supporters say the constitution will secure democracy.

Some 250,000 security personnel have been deployed nationwide to try to keep order during the referendum.

Tension over the document has helped to fuel weeks of violence, including clashes in Alexandria on Friday, Dec 21.

Turnout was reported to be just above 30% in the first round, with unofficial counts suggesting some 56% of those who cast ballots voted in favor of the draft.

Official results are not expected until Monday, after appeals are heard. If the constitution passes, parliamentary elections must take place within three months.