The Coptic Church has denied accusations by Freedom and Justice Party leaders that it mobilized its followers to vote against the draft constitution in the first round of the referendum, which took place on Saturday.
A church source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the church would not drift into political battles, as it only acts as a spiritual leader for Copts, and that it would accept the results of the referendum.
Andrea Zaky, vice president of the Anglican Communion, said his church too did not attempt to influence its followers. He pointed out that 44 percent voted against the draft constitution, according to unofficial results.
“The percentage of Copts is much less than that,” Zaky said, adding that a group he did not identify attacked Christian voters while voting. “We will accept the results as long as it is unmarked by [any] violations.”
Father Rafiq Greish, spokesperson for the Catholic Church, also said his church did not interfere with people's decisions, and that his church would also accept the results.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
