Egyptian opposition, pro-presidential forces planning rival rallies
Egypt's opposition and pro-presidential forces are planning
rival rallies over President Muhammad Morsi's declaration that a
referendum on a controversial new draft constitution will be held
as scheduled on December 15, RIA Novosti reported.
The opposition National Salvation Front has called for a rally on
December 11.
Islamist movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood which supports
the president, also called for mass rallies on December 11.
The opposition is demanding Morsi cancel the referendum on the
constitution, which was drafted by an assembly dominated by Morsi's
Islamist allies.
The opposition says the constitution falls short of guaranteeing
fundamental freedoms and women's rights, and that holding the vote
will only exacerbate divisions and tensions.
Morsi has annulled his November 22 decree that made his decisions
immune from judicial review, but said the constitutional vote must
still be held.