Egypt: Vice President Quits As Country Votes

Egypt's Vice President has resigned as Egyptians go to the polls to vote on the country's new constitution.

Mahmoud Mekki announced his departure with just five hours of voting to go in the second phase of the referendum on the new charter.

The new constitution eliminates the post of the vice president, however, in a statement, Mr Mekki hinted his resignation was linked to the policies of the President, Mohammed Morsi.

Mr Morsi sparked widespread unrest when he assumed sweeping new powers last month in a move that put him at odds with the judiciary and much of the public.

His opponents said he was acting like the "new pharaoh" and protests soon escalated to violent clashes between Mr Morsi's supporters and his detractors.

Mahmoud Mekki shakes hands with President Mohammed Morsi on his appointment

He eventually backed down and gave up the powers but instead has persisted with his attempt to push through a hastily drawn up constitution that the opposition claims does not represent all Egyptians.

Critics say the document is divisive as it favours Mr Morsi's Islamist allies and ignores the rights of Christians and women.

In his resignation statement on state television, Mr Mekki said: "I have realised a while ago that the nature of politics don't suit my professional genesis as a judge."

Mr Mekki, 58, was a respected judge before being elevated to the post of vice president by Mr Morsi in August. He led the judicial opposition to the ousted president Hosni Mubarak but resisted calls to run for power himself.

Egypt has been in turmoil for more than four weeks and the latest violent clashes took place on Friday, when supporters and opponents of the president clashed in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. Dozens were hurt.

The vote on the new constitution is taking place in 17 of Egypt's 27 provinces with about 25 million eligible voters.

The first phase on December 15 produced a "yes" majority of about 56% with a turnout of some 32%, according to unofficial results.

Cars and buses were set ablaze in the clashes in Alexandria

The opposition has alleged abuses, and called for a re-vote of the first stage.

But the committee overseeing the referendum said their investigation had turned up no major irregularities.

Unofficial tallies are likely to emerge within hours of the close, but the referendum committee may not declare an official result for the two rounds until Monday, after hearing appeals.

If the constitution is adopted, a parliamentary election will be held in about two months.

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