Egyptians have begun voting in a two-day referendum on a new constitution.<br /><br />The vote is to replace the charter brought in by ousted President Mohammed Mursi. <br /><br />The importance of the vote is not lost on the people of Cairo after years of instability and violence:<br /><br />“Yes to the new constitution and may God bring calm to the nation. Many people have been lost, and may God bring us victory,” said one Cairean.<br /><br />“I am unhappy about the alienation I see in people. I feel like we are being coerced into saying yes. It is always on the TV, saying vote ‘yes’ to the constitution. No, vote according to how you feel,” retorted another.<br /><br />A huge security operation is underway across the country with 200,000 police officers and hundreds of special units deployed at polling stations.<br /><br />The Muslim Brotherhood, now classified as a terrorist group, has called on supporters to boycott the vote.<br /><br />Many fear an outbreak of violence as Mursi supporters vent their anger at his removal from power last July.
