Egypt vice-president resigns on final day of referendum

[UrbScotty]

Source: BBC

Egypt's vice-president has announced his resignation, on the day the country completes its voting in a controversial referendum on a draft constitution.

In the nation's latest political upheaval, Mahmoud Mekki, appointed in August, said he had realised the role did not suit his background as a judge.

Egyptians are voting in the second leg of the referendum, which is widely expected to approve the draft.

However, opponents say this will not end the country's unrest.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20828759

[pinto]

1. Interesting, brief side analysis from a Cairo based BBC correspondent -

Analysis
Shaimaa Khalil BBC News, Cairo

The timing of Mahmoud Mekki's resignation is both critical and telling. Observers here say that choosing to announce his official resignation only hours before the results on the draft constitution referendum meant he did not want to be associated with the voting process or its consequences.

There's also speculation that this resignation also implies that the draft constitution has already passed. Because, according to the new charter, the president is not obligated to hire a vice president, in which case Mr Mekki was pre-empting the vote.

Mahmoud Mekki is one of the highest-profile judges in Egypt. In his resignation statement he said he did not know about the decree that gave President Morsi sweeping powers in November - giving the impression that he was unhappy with not being consulted on key decisions.

(at the same link ~ pinto)