Today Egyptians headed to the polls in the second and final round of voting on the draft constitution in 17 governorates around Egypt. The draft constitution has been the subject of much criticism, dividing Egyptians as various, and notably, opposing groups object to the process under which it was written. One of the main criticisms of the process itself was the speed with which the constitution was written, while the assembly itself has come under fire as being unrepresentative of Egyptian society. Islamist groups, on the other hand, have defended the proposal and champion it as the best constitution Egypt has ever had. The voting process took place in two rounds, due to a shortage of legal observers, following the withdraw of many judges refusing to supervise a process they deem illegitimate. 

If the constitution passes, legislative authority will be transferred from the president to the Shura Council. If the constitution does not pass, the president will be tasked with forming a new constituent assembly within 3 months. 

Like the first round, the second round of voting has seen reports of violations. For live updates on the voting process, click here.

Army and police forces regulated the voting process all over the country.

Many voters queued outside for several hours, with separate polling stations for men and women.

The women’s queues were generally longer than men’s, with many women determined to vote, despite the long waiting hours.  

Special queues for elderly voters were set up at polling stations to avoid making them wait for hours.

Voters inspect their names outside polling stations in 6th of October City.

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A man casts his vote at a polling station in Suez City.

Voters collect their ballots at a men’s polling station in Suez.

A man casts his vote at a polling station in Suez City.

Men in Suez city sit outside a station manned by the army as they wait for their turn to vote.

A female voter inspects her ballot paper after making her choice at a polling station in Suez.

 
Female voters cast their votes at a women’s polling station in Suez City.

Female voters cast their votes at a women’s polling station in Suez City.

A voter poses with her inked finger after casting her vote in Sharqiya governorate.

Mosa’ab Elshamy is a freelance journalist based in Cairo covering news, events and current affairs. He has provided photos for numerous publications and websites.

Image: MW9.jpg