Most Egyptians voted in favor of new constitution

Nine out of 10 Egyptians who cast their ballots voted to approve the country’s rewritten constitution, state media reported yesterday, in a referendum seen as the first step towards restoring democracy.

Officials have said the army chief, Gen Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who removed Mr Morsi in July after massive protests calling for the Islamist president’s to stand down, will closely monitor turnout as he mulls going for the top job in an election scheduled for this year.

State media reported at least 90 per cent of those voting had supported the constitution, which the authorities say provides greater freedom of speech and protection of women’s rights.