President, prime minister endorse constitution

Following interim President Adly Mansour’s announcement that the draft constitution would be put to a referendum on January 14 and 15, members of the Cabinet publicly endorsed the draft, encouraging a “yes” vote in the referendum.

The 50-member committee, which has been drafting the constitution, submitted it to Mansour for final ratification two weeks ago.

During a televised speech Saturday, in which Mansour announced the referendum dates, he encouraged those who criticize the draft to “have the courage to let go of their stubbornness and arrogance,” and to join the “national procession” in protecting the interests of the country.

He added that the Egyptian people have sacrificed a lot for their country and it is now time for their ambitions and aspirations to come true.

During an interview on Dream TV Saturday night, Prime Minister Hazem Beblawy said taking part in the referendum is a national duty for every citizen who wants to contribute to the building of their country.

“I am confident that the referendum will garner substantial participation, and a high percentage of yes votes,” he added.

Deputy Minister Ziad Bahaa Eddin, during a seminar in Assiut on Sunday, said setting a date for the referendum marks “the start of the materialization of a dream we have fought and struggled for, and will put us on the right path.”

Campaigns started weeks ago, urging voters to participate in the referendum. Those endorsing the constitution are rumored to be state-sponsored. However, head of the 50-committee, Amr Moussa, denied such claims in a press conference Sunday at the State Information Service, adding that he is confident the new draft will pass with a sweeping majority.

Moussa praised the draft, hailing it as a representation of Egyptian identity and democracy; a first step towards regaining a leading regional role.

He denied claims from some members of the committee that amendments were made to the final draft after they had voted on it.

The head of the State Information System, Amgad Abdel Ghaffar, also commended the draft, claiming every Egyptian would find it to be inspirational and reflective of the slogans of the January 25 and June 30 revolutions, “bread, freedom, and social justice.”

The Supreme Elections Committee announced Saturday that a LE500 penalty would be imposed on those who refrain from participating in the referendum. Supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, and other opponents of the current government, are calling for a boycott.