Egyptians voted narrowly in favour of a constitution shaped by Islamists and opposed by liberals in the first round of a two-stage vote, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood's party that sought a "yes" vote said on Sunday. Vote counting began in Cairo and Alexandria on Sunday after polling stations closed for a controversial constitution referendum that has deepened divisions in the nation.>Turnout was high enough for voting to be extended by four hours in Cairo and some other cities.
In order to pass, the constitution must be approved by more than 50 percent of voters who cast ballots. >A little more than half of Egypt 's electorate of 51 million are eligible to vote in the first round in Cairo and other cities.
The vote has been split into two rounds, each covering different regions with the second next week, because not enough judges agreed to oversee the ballot.
The first round covers about 26 million of Egypt's 51 million eligible voters.
Egyptians are voting in a referendum on a draft constitution that has divided the country and sparked deadly unrest. Voters were allowed to cast “yes” or “no” ballots from 8 a.m. 7 p.m. local time, but the deadline could be extended depending on turnout.
Television images showed some queues in Cairo and else where polling stations opened. President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood have campaigned heavily in favour of the constitution.
Opponents say it is poorly drafted and too Islamist. This round of voting takes place in Cairo, Alexandria and eight other provinces, a week before the rest of the country. Some 250,000 security personnel have been deployed.
More than 51 million people are registered to vote. Polling had to be spread out because few judges were willing to supervise the referendum. Human Rights groups have expressed fears that results from the first round could sway the opinion of those voting in the second.
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