Assembly warns against 'misleading campaigns'

On the eve of the referendum, the Egyptian Constituent Assembly has issued a warning regarding political campaigns against the draft constitution.   “We were surprised to see the unfair coverage the draft constitution received and the accusations against the Assembly’s members without any evidence,” the Constituent Assembly said in a statement. The Assembly urged political parties not to drag the constitution into their disputes. They denied representing only one political trend and affirmed that every spectrum of the Egyptian society had a say in the constitution. “The referendum on the constitution will end two years of unrest. If it is approved, the country will be able to start building democratic institutions. If the Egyptian people refuse the current draft, a new Constituent Assembly will be elected within three months, and a new constitution will be drafted within six months,” read the statement. The Assembly rejected that they drafted misogynistic articles: “Article IX ensures equal opportunities for all citizens, while article X allows women to work while having a family.” As for human rights, the constitution prohibits administrative detention. It also ensures and protect freedom of expression,” the statement concluded. The new constitution would reduce the president’s power, according to the Assembly. Morsi would have to resign if his [hypothetical] decision to dissolve the Parliament was rejected in a public referendum. Morsi would have to consult the Defence Ministry before being able to declare war. The Constituent Assembly urged the Egyptians to read the draft constitution before heading to the polls tomorrow.