Egypt's Morsi Sets Date For Vote On New Constitution
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2012/12/egypt-morsi-sets-date-for-vote-on-new.html
Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi announced that a referendum on a new constitution would be held in two weeks, brushing off critics, political opponents and segments of the population who have cast doubt on the legitimacy of the whole process.
"I tell our great people, the opponent before the supporter, help me with all your strength to fulfill the responsibility that you have entrusted upon me to manage the nation's affairs," said Mr. Morsi in a speech at a televised official ceremony during which he received a copy of the final draft and set a Dec. 15 date for the referendum.
"This responsibility makes it imperative in front of God, you, the Egyptian nation and the world that I forge ahead and not hesitate to carry out the will of this nation," added Mr. Morsi.
In the backdrop of the announcement hundreds of thousands of Islamist supporters of Mr. Morsi rallied in Cairo.
Underscoring the deep divisions in the country, most of the speakers railed against judges, secularists and liberal figures and the media.
"All these people are united to block the Islamists, stop the Islamic project and prevent the implementation of Shariah," lawyer Mamdouh Ismail told the crowds from a stage erected in front of the main campus of Cairo University referring to Islamic law.
He branded those opposed to Mr. Morsi and his Islamist allies as "enemies of Egypt and the revolution."
Most of those at the pro-Morsi gathering were bused in from rural areas across the country for what Islamist parties in the current government coalition have dubbed a rally around "Shariah [Islamic law] and legitimacy."
Among the Islamist leaders in attendance were some belonging to groups that once waged an armed insurrection against the Egyptian state in the 1980s and 1990s. The groups subsequently foreswore violence, and they entered politics after the fall of the regime of former strongman Hosni Mubarak nearly two years ago.
"This responsibility makes it imperative in front of God, you, the Egyptian nation and the world that I forge ahead and not hesitate to carry out the will of this nation," added Mr. Morsi.
In the backdrop of the announcement hundreds of thousands of Islamist supporters of Mr. Morsi rallied in Cairo.
Underscoring the deep divisions in the country, most of the speakers railed against judges, secularists and liberal figures and the media.
"All these people are united to block the Islamists, stop the Islamic project and prevent the implementation of Shariah," lawyer Mamdouh Ismail told the crowds from a stage erected in front of the main campus of Cairo University referring to Islamic law.
He branded those opposed to Mr. Morsi and his Islamist allies as "enemies of Egypt and the revolution."
Most of those at the pro-Morsi gathering were bused in from rural areas across the country for what Islamist parties in the current government coalition have dubbed a rally around "Shariah [Islamic law] and legitimacy."
Among the Islamist leaders in attendance were some belonging to groups that once waged an armed insurrection against the Egyptian state in the 1980s and 1990s. The groups subsequently foreswore violence, and they entered politics after the fall of the regime of former strongman Hosni Mubarak nearly two years ago.
