Egypt Vote a Final Blow to the Muslim Brotherhood?

Have Egyptians dealt a final blow to political dominance by the Muslim Brotherhood? That's what many are hoping for in a national vote this week on a new constitution.

Unofficial results reveal the majority of voters back the new draft. Many Egyptians urged others to take to the polls and are hoping the latest vote will propel the country into a new era and new direction.

The Muslim Brotherhood called for a boycott of the vote as the new constitution emphasizes secularism. It effectively strips the recent constitutional changes written in by the Brotherhood and approved in a 2012 vote.

Does the increase in voter turnout mean Egyptians a want real change away from Islamic law? Senior International Correspondent Gary Lane, answers this and more, on CBN Newswatch, Jan. 16.

Eva Habil, former mayor of the village of Kanboah, said the new constitution will give power back to the people.

"I want my ability as an Egyptian to choose," she said. "I can choose the army or the police or a civilian, this is my choice. The world always talks about democracy - let me choose my democracy."

The new constitution bans political parties based on religion and limits the role of Islamic law in legislation. It also gives women equal rights.

Many believe turnout for this week's constitution vote will far surpass the 2012 vote.

"We tried going to vote on the constitution but we were prevented by the Muslim Brotherhood. They closed the road and stopped us," villager Raouf Mossad, 73, said.

*What will it mean for Egypt if the revised constitution passes? CBN News Sr. Correspondent Gary Lane addressed that question and more below:

There is hope this time around that the vote will restore stability in Egypt and support the current government. The country is still struggling as the government battles opposition from former President Mohamed Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood supporters.

But there are concerns. Security forces have arrested those calling for a "no" vote. This action raises questions about the legitimacy of the referendum.