The armed forces will take part in security measures for the referendum on amendments to Egypt's Constitution, an official source has revealed.
The national vote is scheduled for Saturday 19 March.
The source said the decision by the army aims to preserve the country's safety, stressing that any action impeding the voting process will be subject to punishment stipulated by the new law on thuggery, which includes execution.
The same source said that the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces is urging citizens to take part in the vote, which it described as a “democratic experience,” regardless of whether they plan to vote for, or against, the changes.
Several Egyptian political groups have criticized the proposed amendments, saying they maintain the flaws of the old Constitution and do not recognize the legitimacy of the 25 January uprising that ousted the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak.
The amendments have also been criticized for not being clear on the measures to be taken for the creation of a new constitution, and the extensive powers it gives the president.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
