Refrendum Is Underway Amid Tight Security In Egypt

Egyptians are voting amid tight security in a two-day refrendum on a new constitution that could pave the way for fresh elections. The new charter aims to replace the constitution passes under Islamist president Muhammad Morsi months befoe he was ousted by the army. The military wants strong Yes vote to endorse Mr Morsi's removal. His Muslim Brotherhood, now designated as a terrorist group is boycotting the votes and there are fears of violence. Shortly before voting began, an explosion took place near court building in Cairo's Imbaba district, although no casualities were reported. However, one person was killed in anti-refrendum protest in Bani Suef,

south of Cairo. A huge security operation is being mounted for the two days of voting. Some 160,000 soldiers and more than 200,000 policemen are being deployed natiuonwide. Army chief gen Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi visited one polling station in north Cairo, telling the guard there, " work hard, we need the refrendum to be copletely secured." People have been arresteed for putting up the No compaign posters against refrendum, BBC correspondent says. Muhammad Soudan, a spokesperson of Muslim Brotherhood said, most people were boycotting the vote

adding "" this is a message thatr we were not recognizing this kind of new power." The new constitution says:-

*-- The president may serve two four-year terms and can be impreached by parliament. *-- Islam remains the state relion- but the freedom of belief is absolute, giving some protection to minoroties. *-- The state guatantees, " equality between men and women." *-- Parties may not be formed on the basis of "religion, race, gender or geography" *-- Military to appont defence minister for next eight years. Critics say the new constitution favours army on the expense of the people and fails to deliver on the 2011 revolution.