Egyptians jumping from the frying pan into the fire as Islamists redesign Egypt's draft constitution

President Mohamed Mursi

Egypt's hastily-adopted draft constitution has widened splits between Islamists and opponents alarmed by the contents of a document meant to enshrine a transition from autocracy in the most populous Arab nation.

The constitution, which will go to a referendum after President Mohamed Mursi approves it, defines the president's powers and limits him to two terms, while adding flavors to the taste of the Islamists who dominated the drafting process.

Liberals, Christians and others who had already quit the drafting assembly said the document pushed through on Friday would further polarize a nation in turmoil since an uprising ended President Hosni Mubarack's  30-year rule 21 months ago.

Mursi is pushing for swift action on the constitution to try to defuse opposition to a decree he issued last week temporarily giving himself as the opposition says powers that exceed those enjoyed by Mubarak.

EU-Digest