Egypt to vote on new constitution

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has called for a December 15 referendum on a disputed draft constitution.

Mr Morsi spoke in a nationally televised speech to the Islamist-led panel that hurriedly approved the draft charter amid widening opposition from secular and Christian groups.

Mr Morsi urged Egyptians to participate in the referendum and praised the role of the judiciary in observing past elections. He said the referendum will be a brick in Egypt’s democratic experience.

Earlier, thousands of people waving Egyptian flags and holding large pictures the President demonstrated across Egypt in support of him.

The Muslim Brotherhood, from which Mr Morsi hails, hopes the turnout at the rallies will counteract earlier opposition protests.

Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets twice this week opposing Mr Morsi’s decrees last week to grant himself sweeping powers.

Mr Morsi said he acted to prevent courts led by former regime figures from dissolving the assembly and delaying a transition to democracy.

“The people support the president’s decision,” chanted crowds outside Cairo University, where several thousand had gathered.

In Alexandria clashes broke out between supporters of Mr Morsi and unidentified activists, according to Mena, the state-run news agency.