Christian Minority Rallies as Egypt Votes on New Constitution

Aimee Herd : Jan 17, 2014
FOX News

"This time we said yes and our opinion matters. This is for our children, for all those who died and suffered. Our word now carries weight."

(Aziyah, Egypt)—Voting took place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week for Egypt's new constitution, which—though considered "flawed" by many—is also considered the current best option in the conflict-torn country.

Coptic leaders urged Christians to get out and vote, and buses were provided for transport of voters to polling stations.

The freedom and absence of conflict (for the most part) during the voting was in direct contrast to that of a couple years ago, when threats and violence held back those desiring to vote against the Islamist-backed constitution.

Heba Girgis, a Christian resident of Sanabu said of this year's vote, "I cast my ballot as I pleased. I am not afraid of anybody. Last time I wanted to say no. I waited in line for two hours before the judge closed the station."

"This time we said yes and our opinion matters," Girgis added. "This is for our children, for all those who died and suffered. Our word now carries weight."

Another Christian, Issac Saleeb, in Cairo admitted that he was voting "yes" for the new constitution but that he was "not happy about it."

Said Saleeb, "[The constitution] means we are ruled by Islamic rules. Still, it's very, very good compared to [ousted President Mohamed] Morsi's."