CAIRO — Egypt’s opposition called yesterday for an investigation into allegations of vote fraud in the referendum on a divisive Islamist-backed constitution after the Muslim Brotherhood, the main group backing the charter, claimed it passed with a 64 percent “yes” vote.
Official results are expected today. If the unofficial numbers are confirmed, it would be a victory for Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, who is from the Brotherhood.
The opposition allegations are likely to prolong the turmoil that has roiled Egypt for nearly two years since the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.
“The referendum is not the end game. It is only a battle in this long struggle for the future of Egypt,” said the National Salvation Front, the main opposition group. “We will not allow a change to the identity of Egypt or the return of the age of tyranny.”
The opposition claims the new constitution seeks to enshrine Islamic rule, and accuses the Islamists of trying to monopolize power.
Critics say it does not sufficiently protect the rights of women and minorities. Articles were also seen as tailored to get rid of Islamists’ enemies.
The NSF said it filed complaints to the country’s top prosecutor and the election commission.
“The results of the referendum are, for sure, because of the rigging, violations and mismanagement that characterized it,” the group said.
The Brotherhood insisted violations were limited and should not affect the referendum’s integrity. Its political arm said it hoped passage of the constitution would be a “historic opportunity” to heal divisions.
The vote was conducted in two stages, with the first Dec. 15 and the second Saturday. The Brotherhood said 64 percent voted “yes” in a tally of both stages.
Local media have reported similar results. The state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram said the referendum won with 63.96 percent.