In Pictures

Gallery

In Pictures: Egypt divided on constitution

Rallies are held by supporters and opponents of President Morsi ahead of referendum on the draft constitution.

Members of the Muslim Brotherhood march with a banner that reads, "Yes to the constitution, for a better future" in Nasr City, Cairo. Rival sides in Egypt are staging rallies a day before the first round of voting begins on a contentious draft constitution.
By Mosa'ab Elshamy
Published On 14 Dec 2012
A supporter of President Morsi holds a copy of the proposed constitution during a rally mobilising for the "yes" vote. Voting will take place on December 15 and 22, and the lead up to the referendum has seen bloody clashes between supporters and opposition activists.
Advertisement
Supporters of President Morsi and the new constitution rally in Cairo. The banner reads, "Yes to the constitution - for Sharia, stability, reconstruction and rights of the poor."
Members of the Muslim Brotherhood form a human chain and rally for the proposed constitution.
Anti-Morsi graffiti is stenciled on the walls of Mohammed Mahmoud Street near Tahrir Square. The graffiti reads, "Ikhwan(***)s constitution is void," and "Their constitution is not ours." Many opponents feel the draft puts too much emphasis on Islamic law.
A protester in Tahrir Square holds an anti-constitution banner. One complaint among demonstrators is that the constituent assembly, which drafted the constitution, did not accurately represent the people.
A presidential guard stands next to anti-Morsi and anti-constitution graffiti.
Advertisement
A large billboard overhanging Tahrir Square reads, "With the constitution, the wheel (of production) will start running." Advocates of the "yes" vote associate financial stability and security with the approval of the constitution.
The Freedom and Justice Party - which Morsi heads - organises an awareness campaign on the constitution. The Muslim Brotherhood has pledged to back the proposed constitution.
Opponents of Morsi carry a large "no" sign, and a banner that reads "no to a referendum written in blood" as they stand atop one of the walls built by the army around the presidential palace. The crisis has necessitated a ramping up of security around the palace, which has been the focal point of anti-Morsi protests.