Egypt's powerful army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi today urged Egyptians to participate "in force" in next week's referendum on a new constitution, billed as the first stage in the nation's democratic transition.
On July 3, Sisi overthrew Mohamed Morsi after massive protests against the Islamist president's turbulent one-year rule. His ouster triggered unrest that has deeply polarised the country.
Sisi urged the public to "assume their national responsibility of participating in force in the referendum in order to build a democratic and modern state that satisfies all Egyptians," state news agency MENA quoted him as saying at a conference of high-ranking officials.
The referendum on a revised constitution will be held on January 14 and 15 to replace the one suspended when Morsi was toppled.
Sisi said Egypt was at the start of a "decisive stage" in its history, and the referendum will be "the first stage in the implementation of the road map after two unique revolutions that showed close ties between the people and the national army".
