Egyptians vote on Islamist-backed constitution

Protesters chant slogans at during a demonstration against a constitution drafted by Islamist supporters of President Mohammed Morsi in Tahrir square in Cairo, Egypt, Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. / AP Photo/Petr David Josek

CAIRO Egyptians are voting on a proposed constitution that has polarized their nation, with President Mohammed Morsi and his Islamist supporters backing the charter, while liberals, moderate Muslims and Christians oppose it.

More than 26 million voters are scheduled to cast their ballots Saturday, while another 25 million will vote next week.

Critics have raised concern over the charter's legitimacy after most judges said they would not supervise the vote. Rights groups warn of opportunities for widespread fraud, and the opposition says a decision to hold the vote on two separate days to make up for the shortage of judges leaves the door open for initial results to sway voter opinion.

The opposition has called on its supporters to vote "no."