Crowds gather in Cairo's Tahrir Square early Tuesday ahead of a critical day of protests.<br/> <br />The planned demonstrations come amidst a continuing political crisis spareked when Islamist President Mohamed Mursi issued a decree placing himself above judicial oversight.<br/> <br />Others are angry over a controversial draft constitution, passed in a rushed vote amidst the turmoil.<br/> <br />The country is set to vote on the constitution on December 15, but some say this is not enough time for an informed vote.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Arabic) CITIZEN SAYED EL SEBAIE, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We need the public to understand the constitution, are 15 days sufficient to explain to the people 260 or 265 articles?"<br/> <br />Several of the country's newspapers and television stations are also on strike, with newspaper stands in Cairo left with gaps on their shelves.<br/> <br />One reader found a bright side to missing his usual morning read.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) PASSER-BY, WAHBA NASR, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Honestly, I'm used to buying Al-Masry al-Youm, but today I didn't find it available. So the positive thing is that I saved a pound. Because what we see in the newspapers is the same thing we see on television - chaos. Today the country is in chaos."<br/> <br />Meanwhile, security measures were increased outside of Egypt's presidential palace ahead of a planned demonstration by activists and opposition parties there.<br/> <br />Mursi has been silent on opposition demands to cancel his decree and rethink the referendum vote.<br/> <br />But the Muslim Brotherhood, which propelled Mursi to power, can rely on large-scale support among voters.
