Violence criticised as Egypt votes yes for electoral reform

A NATIONWIDE referendum to open the way for Egypt’s first multi-candidate presidential elections passed overwhelmingly, officials announced yesterday, a day after the balloting, which was marred by police beatings of protesters.

In Washington, a White House spokesperson denounced Wednesday’s violence and said there was “no excuse” for beating demonstrators during the voting that President Hosni Mubarak had called a crucial step toward democracy.

Mr Mubarak, who has led Egypt for 24 years, will now face unprecedented opposition if he runs, as expected, for a fifth term in September.