16/01/2014 09:51
Egypt 'turnout 'high' in boycotted referendum – officials
Egyptian officials have spoken of a high turnout in a referendum on a new constitution, with voters expected to endorse the removal of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, the BBC reported.
Top election official Nabil Salib told state TV that voter turnout was higher than in previous polls but gave no precise figure, AP news agency said.
The second day of voting on Wednesday passed off largely peacefully.
Nine people died on Tuesday in clashes involving Mr Morsi's supporters.
Some 400 people are said to have been arrested over the two days for disrupting the vote.
A senior interior ministry official told a private TV channel that turnout in the vote may exceed 55%, Reuters news agency said. He said preliminary results indicated that approval of the constitution may be more than 95%.
However, turnout was reported to be low in Muslim Brotherhood strongholds.
Mr Salib did not give a figure for voter turnout but said results were expected to be announced on Friday. State TV said initial results showed 50% turnout with more than 90% voting yes.
"The turnout will be the highest if compared to past polls," he was quoted as saying.