Egyptians vote on controversial constitution

Egyptians have begun voting in a second stage of a constitutional referendum that has sparked weeks of unrest.

Some 250,000 security personnel have been deployed nationwide to try to keep order during the referendum.

Opponents of President Mohammed Morsi have held huge protests to demand the referendum be scrapped, saying the new constitution favours Islamists.

Mr Morsi's mainly Islamist supporters say the constitution will restore stability and democracy.

Tension over the document has helped to fuel weeks of violence, including clashes in Alexandria on Friday.

But opposition politicians said they thought further violence was likely. Turnout was reported to be just above 30% in the first round.

Unofficial counts suggested some 56% of those who cast ballots voted Yes to the draft.

Opposition figurehead Mohammed ElBaradei has urged people to vote against the charter.

"We know that if this constitution is passed, there will be no stability," he said late on Thursday.

Official results are not expected until Monday, after appeals are heard.

Supporters of President Mohammed Morsi say the constitution is vital to move Egypt towards democracy
Egypt's latest crisis began on 22 November, when Mr Morsi issued a decree giving himself broad powers.

The decree stripped the judiciary of any power to challenge his decisions.

After an outcry, the president revoked much of the decree. But he refused to back down on the draft constitution.

The country has seen mass demonstrations on both sides ever since.

On Friday, Islamists clashed with secular rivals in Alexandria, hurling stones at each other outside a mosque.

Police formed lines and fired tear gas to keep the two groups apart.