Egypt ministers order probe into alleged vote violations

Egypt ministers call for vote probe: In Cairo, Egyptians wait in line Saturday to cast their votes during a referendum on a disputed constitution. IMAGE

AP Photo: Ahmed Gomaa, File. Egypt ministers call for vote probe: In Cairo, Egyptians wait in line Saturday to cast their votes during a referendum on a disputed constitution. IMAGE

12/18/12

Key Egyptian rights groups have called for a repeat of Saturday's first round of voting on the constitution draft, alleging widespread violations.

CAIRO — Egypt's Justice Ministry says it will assign judges to probe allegations of voting violations during the first leg of a referendum on a draft constitution.

Ministry spokesmen said Tuesday that the inquiry will include charges that some polling stations were supervised by court employees, not judges.

Many judges refused to supervise the voting to protest actions by Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, who briefly usurped their authority.

Opponents warn the draft could allow imposition of strict Islamic law.

Key Egyptian rights groups have called to repeat the first round of voting, alleging widespread violations. They said independent monitors were prevented from witnessing vote counts.

Preliminary results showed that 56 percent of voters voted in favor in Saturday's round, covering 10 of Egypt's 27 provinces. The second round is set for Saturday.

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