Fight Over Egyptian Constitution Heats Up

Egyptian journalists tape their mouths and raise their pens during a demonstration against the draft constitution in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday. (Amr Nabil/AP)

Rival headlines began popping up almost immediately after Egyptians finished voting for the country’s new constitution.

Papers supporting the government saw the vote as a validation of Egypt’s new democracy and governing party. The country’s largest independent daily, Al Masry Al Youm, shouted “Wholesale Violations.”

State media is reporting that the new constitution passed with nearly 64 percent support, but sizable minorities in cities such as Cairo voted against the constitution, saying it does not guarantee basic democratic rights and is not a document on which Egyptians can build their future.

The political battle represents a new stage in Egypt’s democratic evolution and it’s being watched closely in the Arab world.

• New York Times: Egypt Opposition Gears Up After Constitution Passes

Guest:

• David Kirkpatrick, Cairo bureau chief for the New York Times. He tweets @DavidKirkpatric.