Split Egypt set for referendum

The opposition sees the proposed charter, drafted by a panel dominated by Islamists, as weakening human and gender rights, bolstering the military and undermining the judiciary's independence.

It fears its ambiguities and loopholes will push Egypt closer to a form of sharia law favoured by the more ultra-orthodox Islamists.

The opposition coalition said in a statement that "only one path exists to bring the country out of its current crisis, and that is for the president of the republic to assume his responsibilities by deciding to delay the referendum for two or three months and for serious national dialogue to be held so a consensus is reached on a draft constitution."

The UN human rights chief, the United States, European nations and international watchdogs have also criticised the draft constitution and the way it was rammed through.

Washington, which provides $1.3 billion a year to Egypt's military, has called for "restraint" in maintaining public order.

Saturday will see voters in 10 governorates called to polling stations, including in the two biggest cities of Cairo and Alexandria.

On December 22 it will be the turn of Giza, Port Said, Luxor and 14 other regions.

Egyptians abroad have already started early voting in embassies and consulates, the official MENA news agency reported.

Morsi has ordered the army to secure state institutions, giving them police powers of arrest until the referendum result is known.