Egyptians vote on Constitution

Egyptians were voting today in the second and final phase of a referendum on an Islamist-backed constitution, but there was little indication that the result of the vote will end the political crisis in which the country is mired. The vote comes a day after clashes between supporters and opponents of Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. It was the latest outbreak of street violence in more than four weeks of turmoil, with the country divided first over the president's powers then over the draft constitution. The clashes - in which opponents of Islamists set fire to cars and dozens of people were hurt - illustrated how the new constitution, regardless of whether it is adopted or not, is unlikely to ease the conflict over the country's future. Today's vote is taking place in 17 of Egypt's 27 provinces with about 25 million eligible voters. The first phase on December 15 produced a "yes" majority of about 56% with a turnout of some 32%, according to unofficial results. "I came early to make sure my 'no' is among the first of millions today," oil company manager Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz said as he waited in line outside a polling station in the...