Referendum Will Divide, Not Unite, Egyptians
The referendum that begins Saturday on the Egyptian constitution will likely further divide Egyptians no matter the outcome, writes Maggie Fick from Cairo.
CAIRO — Egyptians begin voting on Saturday in a referendum on a controversial constitution draft, which is meant to be a step forward in Egypt's post-revolution transition.
But the "yes" and "no" votes to be cast have taken on a significance that extends far beyond the act of approving or rejecting the constitution.
In the charged atmosphere surrounding the vote, whatever the outcome, the vote seems bound to be a catalyst for deepening divisions in the country.
In the three weeks since President Mohammed Morsi issued a decree dramatically increasing his powers, possible windows for compromise have opened at various moments. On the eve of the vote, all these windows are slammed shut.
