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After Vote, Morsi Signs Decree Establishing New Egyptian Constitution

AL MASRAWY (Egypt), SKY TV

Worldcrunch

CAIRO – After weeks of confrontation over a proposed new Egyptian Constitution, President Mohammed Morsi has signed the decree that makes the new document the law of the land after voters approved a nationwide referendum, according to press reports early Wednesday.

Al Masrawy reported the official results of the High Committee for elections as follows: 63.8% (Yes) against 36.2% (No). Turnout, however, was below 40%.

Murad Ali, a senior official in Morsi's Freedom and Justice Party, was quoted by Sky News. "I hope all national powers will now start working together now to build a new Egypt," he said. "I see this as the best constitution in Egypt's history."

But the opposition, which has said the Constitution gives too much power to the executive and the military, and doesn't protect freedom of speech and religion, says voter irregularities should void the results.

Ibrahim Eissa, a well-known opposition leader and journalist, tweeted after the announcement of preliminary results:

لو حذ�نا أصوات التزوير وكل عمليات التضييق على الاقتراع ومنع المواطنين وإغلاق اللجان قبل المواعيد المقررة �إن لا هى الرابحة وهذا الدستور باطل

— Ibrahim Eissa (@IbrahimEissa_) December 23, 2012

“If we consider the number of frauds, of preventing voters from accessing voting offices and of closing some offices before time, “No” would have been the winner. This Constitution is illegitimate.”

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Geopolitics

D.C. Or Beijing? Two High-Stakes Trips — And Taiwan's Divided Future On The Line

Two presidents of Taiwan, the current serving president, Tsai Ing-wen, and her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou from the opposition Kuomintang party, are traveling in opposite directions these days. Taiwan must choose whom to follow.

Photo of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan

Pierre Haski

-Analysis-

PARIS — Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan, is traveling to the United States today. Not on an official trip because Taiwan is not a state recognized by Washington, but in transit, en route to Central America, a strategy that allows her to pass through New York and California.

Ma Ying-jeou, a former president of Taiwan, arrived yesterday in Shanghai: he is making a 12-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese authorities at a time of high tension between China and the United States, particularly over the fate of Taiwan.

It would be difficult to make these two trips more contrasting, as both have the merit of summarizing at a glance the decisive political battle that is coming. Presidential and legislative elections will be held in January 2024 in Taiwan, which could well determine Beijing's attitude towards the island that China claims by all means, including force.

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