Egypt has approved constitutional changes in a reasonably free and fair election. The referendum sets a timetable for legislative elections and agreed term limits for the presidential post. The referendum was passed through strong support from the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Muslim Brotherhood. Opposition to the vote was mainly concentrated in Cairo and Alexandria whereas the provinces voted positively for the proposals.
Opposition is derived from the liberal protesters, who have failed to coalesce into campaigning parties. They paint a picture of the traditional duopoly, the NDP and the Muslim Brotherhood, co-operating to preserve power and complain that they have been given insufficient time to create political institutions top channel their support. Perhaps this is the case; perhaps ruling military council wishes to provide evidence of change and prevent further upheaval. They will look at the revolts in Tunisia with some apprehension.
The concern is that the forthcoming elections will write the new constitution. If The Muslim Brotherhood gets the upper hand, then Islamism may gain the upper hand. However, the complexity of wooing a strong secular minority, the Christians and the public sector NDP may place severe constraints on what the Muslim Brotherhood could achieve in a constritutional convention.