The referendum in two phases on a draft Constitution in Egypt has at last been concluded. But the mounting tension in the country in recent months is far from over. Backed by the Islamist president, Mohammad Morsi, the referendum was pushed through in the face of great opposition. In the constituent assembly which drafted the Constitution. Most minority Christian members quit in protest. Secular political parties gathered together under the banner of the National Salvation Front and opposed the new Constitution on the grounds that it ignored human rights and did not look after the interests of religious minorities and women. Besides, the draft Constitution makes an opening for the Muslim Brotherhood to seize power. Morsi belongs to the Brotherhood which together with its allies may impose orthodox Islamist rule. The referendum was held amidst great violence which exposed the cleavage in Egypt’s society and politics.
Although the results of the vote are not yet finally known, it is estimated that 64% of voters supported the charter. It appears that Morsi and his followers won by a narrow margin and the Muslim Brotherhood could not garner solid support. The turnout is also said to have been as low as 30%. It raises doubt about the validity of the referendum. Of course, the Islamists are blowing their own trumpet. Morsi should know the difference between a majoritarian and a liberal democracy. In the end, Egypt may go the way of Pakistan where democracy is in peril. The call at Tahrir Square has trailed away. The power centre of the Arab world may succumb to Islamic fundamentalism with terrorism not far away.