RALLIES

Rivals Protest in Cairo

Just before constitutional referendum set to begin.

Rival groups staged dueling rallies in Cairo on Friday, one day before voting is expected to begin on Egypt’s draft Constitution. The National Salvation Front of groups opposed to the Constitution has organized protests in Tahrir Square and outside the presidential palace to encourage voters to vote “no.” They say the Constitution does too much to protect Islamic law and does not focus enough on rights and freedom. The Coalition of Islamist Forces, which is in favor of new Constitution, has arranged a rally in Nasr City. The referendum is scheduled for December 15-22, and one correspondent said that a victory for the opposition is unlikely since the conservative groups “have a stronger mobilization.”