Egypt holds key vote on country’s new charter

An Egyptian worker carries boxes of ballots at the Giza courthouse, in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. AP

CAIRO, Egypt— Egyptians have started voting on a draft for their country’s new constitution that represents a key milestone in a military-backed roadmap put in place after President Mohammed Morsi was overthrown in a popularly backed coup last July.

The two-day balloting, which began Tuesday, is a heavy blow to the Muslim Brotherhood’s campaign for the reinstatement of Morsi and paves the way for a presidential run by the nation’s top general.

A massive security operation is underway to protect polling stations and voters against possible attacks by militants loyal to Morsi.

Shortly before polls opened, an explosive device went off outside a Cairo courthouse. The blast damaged the front of the building but caused no casualties.

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