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Egyptian Opposition Warns of Violence Over Constitution Vote

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A leading opposition figure warned of more blood on the streets when Egyptians vote on a new constitution championed by Islamist President Mohamed Mursi amid a growing political crisis.

In the referendum this Saturday and next, Egyptians must accept or reject a basic law that has to be in place before national elections can be held early next year—an event many hope can steer the Arab world's most populous nation out of its turmoil.

At least seven people have died and hundreds have been injured in violence that erupted three weeks ago after Mursi awarded himself sweeping powers to ram the charter through a drafting body dominated by Islamists and boycotted by the opposition.