Egyptians walk under a billboard with Arabic that reads, "yes to the constitution, Egyptians love their country," in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014. The January 14-15 vote on the draft constitution will be the first real test since Mohammed Morsi was ousted from presidency. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
January 11, 2014 - 7:38 AM
CAIRO - Egypt's military chief has urged Egyptians to vote in next week's constitutional referendum, describing its passage as a step on the way to progress.
Gen. Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi spoke at a military-organized function Saturday. State news agency MENA carried his comments.
More than 52 million Egyptians are to vote Tuesday and Wednesday on a heavily amended version of an Islamist-drafted charter enacted under toppled Islamist President Mohammed Morsi.
The 2012 charter was one of the main reasons fueling opposition to Morsi, prompting massive protests against him. The military, under el-Sissi's command, then removed Morsi from office.
A large turnout and a strong "yes" vote would give legitimacy and a boost to the political plan endorsed by el-Sissi calling for subsequent presidential and parliamentary elections.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014