Egypt's preliminary results show constitution wins "yes" majority as polls close

Preliminary results released by Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood showed early on Sunday that the disputed constitution has received a "yes" majority of more than 70 percent in the second and final round of voting. 

The results, posted on the Brotherhood's website, show that eight million of the 25 million Egyptians eligible to vote - a turnout of about 30 percent - cast their ballots on Saturday.    

The referendum was held over two days, on December 15 and 22.   

In the first round, about 56 percent said "yes" to the charter. The turnout then was about 32 percent.  The Brotherhood, of which Islamist President Mohammed Morsi hails, has accurately predicted election results in the past by tallying results provided by its representatives at polling centers.  

Official results would not be announced for several days.   

Passage would be a victory for Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, but a costly one.   

The deep divisions it has opened up threaten to fuel continued turmoil.     

The bruising battle over the past month has stripped away hope that the long-awaited constitution would bring a national consensus on the path Egypt will take after shedding its autocratic ruler Hosni Mubarak nearly two years ago.     

Instead, Morsi disillusioned many non-Islamists who had once backed him and has become more reliant on his core support in the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamists. 

Hard-liners in his camp are determined to implement provisions for stricter rule by Islamic law in the charter, which is likely to further fuel divisions.     

His liberal and secular opposition, in turn, faces the task of trying to organize the significant portion of the population angered by what they see as attempts by Morsi and the  Brotherhood to gain a lock on political power.       

The main opposition group, the National Salvation Front, said it would now start rallying for elections for the lower house of parliament, expected early next year.