Polls Close in Egypt After Second Day of Voting

Approving new constitution could clear way for Army chief to run for president

Polls across Egypt closed on Wednesday evening, state media reported, after a second and final day of voting on a draft constitution that could pave the way for a presidential bid by army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Though voting passed off more peacefully than on Tuesday, when nine people were killed, officials said police arrested at least 79 people during protests by supporters of deposed President Mohamed Mursi, who was removed from power by Sisi in July.

State television reported that counting had begun, and unofficial results could filter out within hours.