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Polls Close On Vote For New Egyptian Constitution


A young Egyptian gives the "victory" sign during voting in Cairo on January 14.
A young Egyptian gives the "victory" sign during voting in Cairo on January 14.
Polls have closed in Egypt on the second and final day of a referendum on a new constitution.

The voting comes after Egyptians on January 14 queued outside polling stations amid tight security.

It is Egypt's first nationwide ballot since the military-backed overthrow of Islamist President Muhammad Morsi six months ago.

At least 11 people were killed in violence across Egypt on that first day of voting.

Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood is boycotting the referendum.

The revised constitution does not contain the Islamic references that characterized the controversial constitution adopted in 2012 under Morsi.

Supporters of the new draft charter say it guarantees individual freedoms, religious liberty, and women's rights.

Critics say it gives special privileges to Egypt’s military.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP

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