Egypt opposition vows to fight on against Islamist charter

Egypt's opposition, facing defeat over a new constitution in a referendum this weekend, urged its supporters to reject the Islamist-backed charter and pledged to fight on to amend it during elections expected next year.

Forty-eight hours before the second round of the plebiscite, the main opposition coalition of liberals, leftist, Christians and secular Muslims called for a "no" vote against a document it views as leaning too far towards Islamism.

The first day of voting last weekend resulted in a 57 percent majority in favor of the constitution, promoted by President Mohamed Mursi as a vital step in Egypt's transition to democracy almost two years after the fall of Hosni Mubarak.

The second stage on Saturday is expected to produce another "yes" vote as it covers areas of the country that are seen as more conservative and likely to back Mursi.

The National Salvation Front, the main opposition coalition, said a "no" vote meant taking a stand against attempts by the Muslim Brotherhood, Mursi's political backers, to dominate Egypt.

Read more: Egypt opposition vows to fight on against Islamist charter Asharq Alawsat Newspaper (English)

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

Egypt: Mursi declared Egypt's first civilian president

After a week of tension and widespread speculation over the outcome, Egypt, finally, has a civilian head of state, the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi.

Mohamed Morsi, 60, educated in Southern California, USA, was declared president Sunday after he took 52% of the vote to 48% for former Hosni Mubarak official Ahmed Shafik.

During the historic campaign for president, Morsi said he would support democracy, women's rights and peaceful relations with Israel if he won.

Morsi was arrested several times "due to his constantly firm stance against the repressive measures and oppressive practices of the overthrown regime," the party said.

The Muslim Brotherhood has been part of the political scene in Egypt for more than 80 years. It was formed there by Hassan al-Banna in 1928.  It  is also and foremost a religious and political group founded on the belief that Islam is not simply a religion, but a way of life. It advocates a move away from secularism, and a return to the rules of the Quran as a basis for healthy families, communities, and states.

The movement officially rejects the use of violent means to secure its goals. However, offshoots of the group have been linked to attacks in the past, and critics blame the Brotherhood for sparking troubles elsewhere in the Middle East. Many consider it the forerunner of modern militant Islamism.

EU-Digest