Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has annulled a decree that made his actions immune to judicial review, but that seems to have done little to placate his opponents. Opposition leaders are calling for renewed protests against Morsi on Tuesday, claiming the process for drafting the constitution that will be voted on on December 15 was dominated by Morsi and his Islamist allies. The opposition National Salvation Front said it will refuse to recognize the draft constitution “because it does not represent the Egyptian people”.
“We reject the referendum which will certainly lead to more division and sedition,” said spokesman Sameh Ashour. Others have called for a boycott of the referendum vote.
The situation has escalated to the point where Morsi has ordered the military to maintain order and protect state institutions in the days leading up to the constitutional vote. The military will also be utilized to protect balloting locations when the vote takes place. Presently the military is under orders to coordinate with the police in keeping the peace and have been granted authority to arrest civilians.
