Protests Continue In Egypt Over Draft Constitution

by Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, NPR

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi says he's determined to hold a referendum on the draft constitution on Dec. 15. But it's an election fraught with problems for him and his opponents. It's unlikely to be a free and fair vote, with most judges who would be the ones to serve as independent monitors being on strike, leaving its legitimacy in doubt. His opponents, meanwhile, are in trouble if they decide to boycott the vote or not. Not voting gives Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood a guaranteed victory. But if opponents do vote and lose, then their efforts to quash the draft document and Morsi's power grab would lose legitimacy.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, December 14, 2012