Vote Expected On Egypt's Draft Constitution

Antigovernment demonstrators in Tahrir Square

The assembly writing a new Egyptian Constitution has started voting on a final draft.

The assembly is to vote on each article in the draft constitution before it is sent to President Muhammad Morsi for approval.

Morsi is then to put the text to a popular referendum.

Morsi is expected to address the nation in a televised speech on November 29.

It's hoped that progress on a new constitution will help defuse a crisis sparked by Morsi's decision to grant himself sweeping powers.

Two people have been killed and hundreds injured in countrywide protests ignited by Morsi's decree since it was issued last week.

On November 28, riot police clashed with protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square, the site of daily protests. Supporters of Morsi announced plans to rally in Tahrir on December 1.

Meanwhile, two top courts announced strike action over Morsi's decree, which puts his rulings above judicial review.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters