埃及反对派:重新举行‘有缺陷的’宪法公投

Egyptian opposition groups say the first round of a referendum on an Islamist-backed constitution was marred by widespread violations and should be re-staged.

Egypt's main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front, said Sunday it will not accept any unofficial referendum results. They called for nationwide demonstrations Tuesday before the second round is held next Saturday.

The Muslim Brotherhood, backers of President Mohamed Morsi, claimed victory in Saturday's vote, saying unofficial tallies showed 56 percent approval of the draft constitution.

The Brotherhood said turnout was about one-third of the 26 million people eligible to vote.

The first round of the referendum was held in 10 of Egypt's 27 regions, including the two main cities of Cairo and Alexandria. A second round will be held in Egypt's remaining provinces, most of which are rural and religiously conservative.

Some observers expect the second round to boost the overall "yes" vote for the draft constitution, which requires only a simple majority for passage.